Why is LSU ranked behind Tennessee Vols in Week 9 AP Poll rankings?
Week 9's AP Poll has been a massive talking point and the Southeastern Conference has been a significant point of contention. The Tennessee Volunteers are ranked No. 7 as they moved up four spots from last week while the LSU Tigers held steady at the No. 8 spot.
As a result of the Week 9 AP Poll, some fans are questioning why the Vols are currently ahead of the Tigers.
Here's a closer look at some reasons why the Tennessee Volunteers are ahead of the LSU Tigers.
Why are the Tennessee Volunteers ahead of the LSU Tigers?
#1. Tennessee is 3-0 against ranked opponents
The Tennessee Volunteers have been able to dominate throughout the season as they have wins over the NC State Wolfpack, Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide. All three of those teams were ranked when they played against the Vols and that means a lot for how tough their schedule has been.
Compare it to what the LSU Tigers have done against ranked opponents as they are 1-1 against ranked foes after losing to the USC Trojans while they won against the Ole Miss Rebels. The strength of schedule is certainly a factor in the AP Poll standings right now.
#2. Third Saturday of October wins means more
Sometimes, it is just a bit of recency bias being played and what fans just saw was Tennessee score 10 points in the final 5:52 against Alabama. That game had the Vols listed as a 3.5-point home underdog, meaning this result was not expected and should be viewed as a bigger win than a favorite doing so.
#3. ATS record means more than you want to admit
The against-the-spread record means more than just the betting public. Instead, it tells the AP voters and the general public what the oddsmakers were valuing these teams as. There is an old adage in the betting world that good teams win and great teams cover.
The Vols have gone 5-2 against the spread while the Tigers are 3-4 against the spread up to this point. That tells fans exactly what these teams are viewed as and how Tennessee has done well to exceed expectations while LSU has been doing what has been expected.
The Tennessee Volunteers host the Kentucky Wildcats next on Saturday, Nov. 2 while the LSU Tigers travel to the Lone Star State to take on the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday, Oct. 27.