The CFB Committee preaches doctrines they know are untrue to fans, who they believe to be idiots.

The welfare of the fans in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants.

As of December 5, 2024, the Tennessee Volunteers are ranked No. 7 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. To recap under the new 12-team playoff format, the top four conference champions receive first-round byes, while teams seeded 5 through 8 host first-round games. For Tennessee to host a playoff game, they must be seeded within the top eight after the upcoming conference championship games.

Scenarios Affecting Tennessee’s Seeding:

1. Conference Championship Outcomes:
   • SEC Championship: If No. 2 Texas defeats No. 5 Georgia, Georgia may drop in the rankings, potentially allowing Tennessee to move up.
   • Big Ten Championship: A loss by No. 3 (amazing they are ranked so high) Penn State could also impact the rankings, benefiting Tennessee.
   • ACC Championship: No. 8 SMU faces No. 17 Clemson. An SMU loss could drop them below Tennessee, enhancing the Vols’ chances of moving up.
2. Performance of Teams Ranked 5-8:
   • Losses by any teams currently ranked 5 through 8 could result in them dropping below Tennessee, thereby improving the Vols’ seeding.

Pathways for Tennessee to Host a Playoff Game:

https://twitter.com/MichaelWBratton/status/1864405120525488635

• Georgia Loss in SEC Championship: If Georgia loses to Texas, Tennessee could potentially move ahead of Georgia in the rankings, placing them within the top eight. The committee will suddenly recall that the Vols lost head-to-head to UGA though, pathway blocked
• SMU Loss in ACC Championship: An SMU loss to Clemson might drop them below Tennessee, allowing the Vols to climb in the rankings. Bama will liekly benefit as the committee will forget that Tennessee has a better record and beat Bama head-to-head.
  
• Favorable Outcomes in Other Championships: Losses by higher-ranked teams in their respective conference championships could collectively create a scenario where Tennessee ascends into the top eight.

It’s important to note that Tennessee does not control its own destiny in this regard; their seeding will depend on the outcomes of these pivotal conference championship games. The final CFP rankings, which will determine playoff seedings and matchups, are scheduled to be released on Sunday, December 8, 2024.