Tennessee tumbles in latest AP poll following loss to South Carolina

Did anyone see that coming? Just two wins away from a likely playoff bid, Tennessee tripped off the bus and didn’t stop falling until the clock struck zero in Columbia. South Carolina absolutely demolished the No. 5 Volunteers, essentially ending the season for Tennessee.

Making matters worse? Hendon Hooker went down with a knee injury late and very well could be lost for the year. Tennessee’s playoff bid went up in smoke, as did any shot at the Heisman Trophy for Hooker. You simply can’t draw it up much worse.

Following the loss, Tennessee dropped down to No. 9 in Sunday’s AP Poll. USC, LSU, Clemson and Alabama leaped over the Volunteers, who are now 9-2 on the year. Tennessee will finish with Vanderbilt in Nashville next weekend before learning their bowl fate.

The next batch of College Football Playoff rankings will be revealed on Tuesday night.

Updated AP Top 25

1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan
4. TCU
5. USC
6. LSU
7. Clemson
8. Alabama
9. Tennessee
10. Oregon
11. Penn State
12. Washington
13. Notre Dame
14. Utah
15. Kansas State
16. Florida State
17. UCLA
18. North Carolina
19. Tulane
20. Ole Miss
21. Cincinnati
22. Oregon State
23. Coastal Carolina
24. Texas
25. UCF