Paul Finebaum Names Team That 'Should Be Higher' In College Football Rankings

ESPN college football host Paul Finebaum believes one of the nation's top programs deserves a higher ranking headed into the Week 3 slate, according to a statement on "SEC Nation."

That honor belongs to the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers, who have already risen seven spots in the AP Top 25 since starting the season out at No. 14. Under fourth-year head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols have dominated opposing teams through the first two weeks. After taking care of Chattanooga 69-3 in the season opener, Tennessee traveled to No. 24 NC State and didn't miss a beat, routing the Wolf Pack 51-10.

The Vols feature a notable difference maker this season after finishing 9-4 in 2023. That is former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who has thrown for 839 yards with seven touchdowns to two interceptions. The first-year starter has also added a rushing touchdown.

Finebaum isn't exactly unbiased as a University of Tennessee graduate, but his point is sound with Tennessee already holding a Top 25 win under its belt headed into Week 3. The Vols will take on Kent State on Saturday with a real test coming next week at the No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners.

We will find out a lot about Tennessee's worth in the SEC slate, which also includes a home matchup against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (Oct. 19) and a road trip to the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (Nov. 16).

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