Garnet and Cocky
Fansided

SEC Football Power Rankings: Week 2

By Kevin Miller

If both Alabama and Georgia go undefeated through the SEC football schedule, they will meet in the SEC Championship game and, potentially, in the National Championship. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
If both Alabama and Georgia go undefeated through the SEC football schedule, they will meet in the SEC Championship game and, potentially, in the National Championship. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
13 of 15
Next
SEC Football
SEC Football’s fastest risers from 2022, the Tennessee Vols, will look to continue their success in 2023. Mandatory Credit: Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel /

SEC Football Power Rankings, Week 2:
No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers (Preseason 3rd)

The Tenessee Vols are still a bit of a mystery. Hendon Hooker had one of the best quarterback seasons in school history, a remarkable feat considering the former signal-callers who have worn the orange and white. Now that Hooker is gone (along with top target Jalin Hyatt), can Josh Heupel’s team be as good offensively as they were in 2022?

In the season opener against Virginia, the answer seems to be “yes.” Joe Milton played very well as Hooker’s heir and scored four touchdowns, indicating that he might finally be ready to live up to his enormous potential. Running back Dylan Sampson scored four touchdowns of his own (including one on a pass from Milton) and fellow back Jaylen Wright had 115 yards on just 12 carries.

The defense in Knoxville might be the key to their success in 2023, however. Last season, the Tennessee defense was not good enough, especially against the pass, as they relied on turnovers and heavily blitzed sacks to survive on that side of the ball. Against the Cavaliers on Saturday, though, the Vols held their opponent to just 201 yards of offense.

The 2023 UT football team will go as far as Joe Milton and the defense can take them, and early returns are good for Volunteer fans.

Home/SEC News