SEC Football

The Tennessee Volunteers have fully earned the No. 1 spot in the initial 2022 College Football Playoff rankings. That much should be extolled within the program.

There is also an expiration date on that celebration.

And it's probably, oh, Nov. 2.

In reality, the only immediate thing that matters for the Volunteers is whether they defeat the third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday in Athens. Because, my friends, the poll is certain to change next Tuesday, and that No. 1 status will be much less significant if UT loses.

Tennessee is still the underdog, the program that hasn't won a conference title in 24 years. The burden of proof remains on the Vols, and no reasonable person would argue that outlook.

Simultaneously, both the metrics and eye test agree that none of the other five undefeated teams can present a stronger case than Tennessee to stand atop the rankings right now.

Tennessee is 8-0 with marquee victories over sixth-ranked Alabama and No. 10 LSU. Georgia has a lone ranked win against No. 8 Oregon, as do both Ohio State and Michigan opposite No. 15 Penn State.

Clemson boasts three Top 25 wins (No. 20 Syracuse, No. 21 Wake Forest and No. 22 NC State), and TCU has a pair (No. 13 Kansas State and No. 18 Oklahoma State). However, neither one has dominated games like UT did at LSU—or even against 5-3 Kentucky.

Ranked opponents aren't the only impactful games, of course; Tennessee's total strength of schedule (19th) is well above OSU (52nd), TCU (63rd), Clemson (72nd), UGA (75th) and U-M (79th).

Considering that highest competition level, what the Vols have accomplished is unmatched. The overwhelming offense—led by Heisman Trophy contender Hendon Hooker—is the nation's highest-scoring unit. Alabama kept it close, but Tennessee hung 52 points on the Tide anyway.

Now, I hear you, Dawgs fans. You might be trying to throw the proverbial ace in the hole.

Georgia won last season's national title and remains undefeated. Shouldn't that count for something?

Well, no! Last year is last year. Tennessee has played a tougher schedule so far and performed tremendously against that difficult slate. The rankings are a reflection of what's already occurred, not what happened in a previous season or might soon.

The takeaway is simple: Go prove it again.

That's what it's all about, right? Georgia, which steamrolled what has become a high-quality Oregon team, is favored to beat Tennessee. Do that, and—voila!—the Dawgs immediately become the team indisputably deserving to sit atop the rankings throne.

As always, these rankings will work themselves out. The on-field impact of this initial poll is very minimal.

Sure, Georgia may have a little extra motivation to beat Tennessee. You know UGA coach Kirby Smart and his staff are ready to sprinkle in the message that the reigning champs are being disrespected.

But it's not like Georgia wouldn't have been adequately motivated if the Vols had been ranked second or third instead. Let's be serious here.

Off the field, it would be unfair to suggest the ranking means nothing for Tennessee. This is a quality selling point for the recruiting trail, where prospects are destined to hear how Tennessee has proved it can reach No. 1. The future value of that for the program—considering its recent instability—should not be dismissed.

Maximizing that pitch, however, involves an actual win over UGA. Tennessee hasn't done that since 2016.

Georgia, meanwhile, is a not-so-simple victory away from a straightforward counterargument: Yeah, the Vols had a breakout year, but they couldn't beat us. We're still the champs.

This is a nice achievement for the Vols, but the debate will be settled Saturday. Either the Vols take another step toward the College Football Playoff, or Georgia's reign in the SEC East continues.

And the rankings will take care of themselves.

The FBI is reportedly investigating antisemitic displays across Jacksonville, Florida, including one that was posted during Saturday's college football game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators played at the Jaguars' TIAA Bank Field.

Teresa Stepzinski of the Florida Times-Union reported Monday that the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and FBI Jacksonville are investigating a message that said "Kanye is right about the jews" that was projected onto the back of the stadium's video board.

Rapper Kanye West, who has changed his name to Ye, has recently posted a string of antisemitic messages on social media.

"The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has been made aware of antisemitic posts and displays in and around the City of Jacksonville," law enforcement said in a statement.

"We have been looking into these actions and will continue to work with our partner agencies regarding these reports of antisemitic messages. At this time, the Sheriff's Office has not identified any crimes having been committed; the comments displayed do not include any type of threat and are protected by the First Amendment."

According to Stepzinski, similar messages were displayed in multiple places around the city, including on a downtown building and an overpass above the interstate.

The rivalry game between Florida and Georgia has predominantly been played in Jacksonville since 1933. Georgia improved to 8-0 on the season with a 42-20 victory on Saturday.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart announced Monday that linebacker Nolan Smith is "probably doubtful" to play in Saturday's game against No. 2 Tennessee because of a shoulder injury.

Smith, who leads the top-ranked Bulldogs with three sacks this season, suffered the injury during last week's 42-20 win over Florida, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach.

"His availability has not been determined," Smart said. "It does not look good for availability this week. It's a [pectoral] muscle, so it's one of those deals where we'll do an MRI on. We're still getting some opinions on it, but he's probably doubtful for this week."

Along with his team-high sack total, Smith has also tallied 18 total tackles and a pass defended during the Bulldogs' 8-0 start to the season. He's recorded 12.5 sacks in 38 games across four years at UGA.

A silver lining for Georgia if the talented linebacker ends up missing the marquee clash with the Vols is the team's defense managed three sacks against the Gators despite Smith leaving early with the injury.

Christopher Smith (no relation), Chaz Chambliss and Mykel Williams each took down Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson once, and Smart also credited defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who returned from a knee injury, for helping put pressure on the QB.

"He looked better than I thought," Smart said. "I hope we'll be able to have him at full speed."

Without Smith, the Dawgs would need a similar defensewide effort to create pressure on Tennessee signal-caller Hendon Hooker, who's compiled 21 touchdowns and just one interception during the Volunteers' matching 8-0 start.

It won't be easy because the UT offensive line has been strong in pass protection, allowing just 13 sacks, including just one in its season-altering win over Alabama in mid-October.

Georgia will be favored even if Smith is ultimately ruled out, but losing the senior represents not only a pass-rushing loss but a on-field leadership one, as well.

Expect another update on the linebacker once the Bulldogs get back further testing results.

Saturday's kickoff at Georgia's Sanford Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Auburn announced Monday it fired head football coach Bryan Harsin following a 3-5 start to the 2022 season.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported the school could be looking at a $15 million buyout to make the coaching change. In the wake of Harsin's exit, Cadillac Williams, who had been serving as the Tigers' running backs coach, was named the interim head coach, per Chris Hummer of 247Sports.

The only surprise was that it took this long for the Tigers to move on. Harsin's departure became all but inevitable after Auburn went 6-7 in 2021 and proceeded to have a turbulent offseason in which the status of its head coach was in flux.

This now becomes arguably the most attractive opening on the coaching market. Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger cited Lane Kiffin, Hugh Freeze and Matt Rhule as possible candidates.

The manner in which Harsin's tenure unraveled might turn some candidates away, and it's easy to forget how much of a mess the process that led to his hiring was.

Auburn fans and boosters have high expectations, and the latter group includes a lot of voices who aren't always pulling in the same direction.

Gene Chizik guided the Tigers to a 14-0 record and a national title in 2010. He was fired in 2012 after the team went 3-9. Gus Malzahn went 68-35 in eight seasons with the Tigers. Consistently getting to a bowl game and going 3-5 against Alabama wasn't enough to keep everybody happy. And now Harsin is gone after not even getting two full years.

The extent to which Harsin was undermined reflected the general dysfunction of the program as well. He was cooked the moment the Auburn administration said in February it was launching an internal investigation.

Harsin called that time "one of the hardest weeks of my career" and said "the personal attacks on me and my family went too far and were without justification."

A new athletic director at least presents the opportunity for some much-needed stability. Thamel reported Auburn was nearing a deal to poach John Cohen from Mississippi State.

And despite all of the drawbacks, this is one of the few schools that can reasonably assert an ability to compete for national titles. The Tigers were perfect in 2004 under Tommy Tuberville, won a championship with Chizik and reached another BCS Championship Game with Malzahn.

Nick Saban and Alabama obviously cast a big shadow in the state, but the 71-year-old isn't going to stick around forever. A younger coach in particular might relish the chance to challenge Saban and run the SEC West once he's gone.

If nothing else, accepting the Auburn job means you're all but guaranteed to collect a hefty payout if things don't work out.

Florida head coach Billy Napier announced junior linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. is no longer on the team.

Napier didn't provide a reason for Cox's dismissal and pointed to "an accumulation of things rather than one specific action," per the Tampa Bay Times' Matt Baker.

"I think that being a football player at the University of Florida is a privilege. There are certainly expectations that come with that," he told reporters. "Obviously, he has done a lot of good things for the University of Florida and we wish him nothing but the best but sometimes you have to make decisions in the best interest of the team."

Cox began his career at Georgia and transferred to Florida following the 2018 season. After sitting out a year, he debuted for the Gators in 2020 as a redshirt sophomore.

The 6'3", 252-pound defender had 24 tackles, two sacks and six tackles for loss in eight games. His production ticked upward in 2021 as he recorded 41 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss while forcing one fumble and breaking up four passes.

Cox continued to be a mainstay for Florida this season. His eight tackles for loss are the most on the team, and he was tied for second in sacks (two).

Cox's performance was undoubtedly putting him on the radar for NFL teams ahead of the 2023 draft. He was the No. 60 overall player on Bleacher Report's most recent big board.

Ahead of a 42-20 loss to Georgia in Week 9, Napier listed Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. in the depth chart as the backup to Cox at the JACK position. Based on that, Powell-Ryland will take over as the starter for Saturday's contest against Texas A&M.

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud is no longer the betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker has taken over as the betting favorite to win college football's most prestigious award with -110 odds, per DraftKings SportsBook.

Here's a look at the top 10:

• Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee: -110
• C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State: +160
• Caleb Williams, QB, USC: +1600
• Blake Corum, RB, Michigan: +1800
• Bo Nix, QB, Oregon: +2200
• Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: +2200
• Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee: +3000
• Max Duggan, QB, TCU: +3000
• Chase Brown, RB, Illinois: +3500
• Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama: +4000

Hooker has been one of the most impressive quarterbacks in college football this season.

The 24-year-old entered Saturday's game against Kentucky having completed 70.6 percent of his passes for 2,093 yards and 18 touchdowns against one interception in seven games. He has also rushed for 315 yards and three scores on 63 carries.

Stroud has very similar passing numbers through seven games with the Buckeyes. He has completed 70 percent of his passes for 2,023 yards and 28 touchdowns against four interceptions.

At this point, it's a little too early to say who might win the Heisman, but Hooker is giving Stroud a run for his money.

Georgia Bulldogs sophomore tight end Brock Bowers might have been the nation's best kept secret at one point, but he's quickly establishing himself as one of college football's biggest superstars.

Bowers helped lead the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs (8-0) to a 42-20 win over the Florida Gators by registering five catches for a career-high 154 yards and a score. His touchdown came on an insane circus catch that was tipped by a defender and taken 73 yards to the house.

While Georgia is known for its outstanding run game, Bowers is making it hard for the team not to attack through the air thanks to his connection with quarterback Stetson Bennett. He's a unique offensive weapon that can be dominant when given the opportunity.

Fans on social media were impressed with Bowers' performance on Saturday, with some touting him as the next big thing in college football:

Bowers was named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2021 after recording 56 catches for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns. He leads the Bulldogs in most receiving categories this season, and he's the clear focal point of the passing attack.

It's clear that Georgia has found a gem in Bowers. He will have the chance to showcase his skills once again next Saturday when the Bulldogs look to move to 9-0 in a marquee matchup against No. 3 Tennessee (7-0).

The University of Georgia announced that legendary former head football coach Vince Dooley died Friday at the age of 90.

Dooley was the Bulldogs' head coach from 1964 through 1988, and he also served as the University of Georgia's athletic director from 1979 to 2004.

In his 25 seasons as Georgia's head coach, Dooley went 201-77-10, won six SEC titles and a national championship in 1980.

With Dooley at the helm, the Bulldogs went a perfect 12-0 in 1980 and defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 17-10 in the Sugar Bowl to cement their status as national champions.

That would prove to be Georgia's final national title until last season when Kirby Smart led it to a victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Dooley's 201 wins rank first in program history, while his winning percentage of .715 is third among those who coached in at least 80 games, behind only Smart and Mark Richt.

In addition to being named SEC Coach of the Year on five occasions, Dooley was the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year in 1976 and won numerous national coach of the year awards in 1980.

Following the conclusion of his coaching career, Dooley was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

More recently, the University of Georgia named the field at Samford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, Dooley Field in 2019 to honor the longtime coach.

Dooley attended Auburn University and played quarterback before spending eight years as an assistant coach at his alma mater.

When Dooley was named head coach at Georgia, the Bulldogs were coming off three consecutive losing seasons, but they only sported a losing record once during his quarter-century tenure.

In the wake of Kanye West's recent antisemitic comments, Texas A&M will no longer play one of his songs that has been a staple of their pregame football activities.

Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork told reporters the school would stop playing "Power" during the Aggies' entrance for home games at Kyle Field.

"We've reviewed that situation for the last couple of weeks," Bjork said. "... We're pivoting away from that song."

West, who legally changed his name to Ye, made a series of antisemitic comments earlier this month. His Twitter account and Instagram accounts were locked for a period of time for violating their policy standards.

In a since-deleted post on West's Twitter account, he wrote he was going "death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE."

Per Anna Merlan of MotherBoard.com, West made "numerous antisemitic sentiments" during a taping of Tucker Carlson's show on Fox News that were edited out of the broadcast version.

In an Oct. 11 statement to Justin Tinsley of Andscape.com, Maverick Carter said an episode of The Shop with West as a guest that was taped would not be broadcast because he continued "to reiterate more hate speech and extremely dangerous stereotypes."

Premier League club Bournemouth also announced on Thursday it would no longer play "Power" before games at its home stadium.

West has also been dropped by several of his partners recently, including Adidas, Gap and Foot Locker. Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown announced they were leaving Ye's marketing agency, Donda Sports.

"Power" was included on West's 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Texas A&M's football team has been using it as part of the pregame soundtrack for every home game since 2012.