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SEC power rankings after Spring Practice: It’s complicated in Gainesville

By Benjamin Henderson

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators looks on before the start of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators looks on before the start of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /

Volunteers . 5. team. 839. . .

SEC Power Rankings: Is Rocky back on top?

2022 Record: 11-2

2023 FPI Rating: 15.2

ESPN Win Projection: 8

Draft Kings Win Projection: 9.5

Best Recruiting Class Last Four Years:  10th (2023)

Transfer Portal: 8th in SEC

If Florida is lacking in perception lacking compared to what the models say, Tennessee is the reverse. Their over/under win total for 2023 is 9.5, while the computer models would say an eight-win season is more likely.

The reason for the models having no faith in Tennessee is their roster doesn’t scream elite. Sandwiched between their 2023 class, headlined by five-star QB Nico Iamaleava, and their 2020 class were two highly mediocre classes in 2021 and 2022.

And Tennessee didn’t do much in the transfer portal and only has two projected 2023 starters from it.

Joe Milton, who played well in the Orange Bowl last season, is the projected starter for now.

Their 2022 season was built on winning all three of their coin flips: Overtime vs Pittsburgh, one possession against Florida, and the frantic finish against Alabama.

If any of those went differently, are we looking at Tennessee with the same gusto as their over/under indicates?

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