Tennessee Rises In AP Poll After Big Opening Week

Tennessee moved up 2 spots in college basketball's most recognizable human poll

After a big first week, Tennessee was rewarded by the Associated Press Voters. The Vols jumped 2 spots from their preseason ranking of 9 up to 7 in the AP Poll. They jumped both Duke and Creighton from the preseason ranking.

While the win over Tennessee Tech in the opener likely won't be notable to the voters, Tennessee's win on the road at Wisconsin caught the eye of the national media in college basketball. The Vols never trailed against a good Wisconsin team that isn't ranked in the AP Poll, but currently sits at 25 in KenPom.

The highest Tennessee was ranked by a voter for the poll was #2. That ranking was by Providence Journal Writer Kevin McNamara.

On the flip side, Dave Reardon of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser was the low man on the Vols in week 2. Reardon ranked the Vols #14.

Personally, even if you throw out preseason ranking bias, Tennessee has looked like one of the best teams in the country. Of the noteworthy college basketball analysts, I can find Tennessee at #1 in the rankings of both Andy Katz of NCAA.com and CJ Moore of The Athletic.

I should also note that Tennessee is the highest-ranked of 5 SEC teams in the AP Poll. Following the Vols at 7 is Texas A&M at 13, Arkansas at 14, Kentucky at 17 and Alabama at 22.

The Vols will play just one game before the next poll comes out and it will be a game they're heavily favored in against Wofford.

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