Tennessee holds tight inside the AP top 25, rises in other rankings

After a week that saw Tennessee split a couple of road contests, the Vols have hung tight inside of the AP top 25. They check in at 22 this week. They were jumped by Florida, while Kentucky dropped out of the poll for the first time since 2014.

Villanova remains at No. 1.

Tennessee dropped a tough road game to Missouri, but bounced back with a gutty win at South Carolina on Saturday night. Rick Barnes has his team sitting at 13-5 overall, 4-3 in the SEC so far. It’s been a bumpy ride in the conference to this point, but that’s to be expected with the depth we’ve seen out of this league.

Here’s a look at where Tennessee checks in elsewhere.

KENPOM

Tennessee’s rank: 14th

According to KenPom, the Vols currently hold the nation’s No. 1 strength of schedule after playing South Carolina. If you’re wondering how Tennessee has stuck around in the polls even after suffering five losses, here’s your answer.

They rank 22nd in defensive efficiency and 20th in offensive efficiency.

Basketball Power Index (ESPN)

Tennessee’s rank: 18th

According to BPI, the Vols check in 2nd in the strength of schedule rankings, just behind Texas.

RPI

Tennessee’s rank: 12th

ESPN Power Rankings

Tennessee’s rank: 15th

Here’s what they had to say.

Despite a road loss at Missouri, Tennessee moves up a couple of notches in the rankings -- mostly because several teams ahead of the Volunteers had worse weeks than they did. Moreover, that win over Purdue continues to gain in stature. They need to rack up SEC wins in the next couple of weeks at home against Vanderbilt, LSU and Ole Miss.