ESPN's FPI puts Tennessee sixth in the SEC and No. 12 nationally after Week 7

ESPN's Football Power Index came out of a chaotic Week 7 with Tennessee sitting sixth in the SEC and No. 12 in the country, carrying an 18.1 rating and a projected 9-3 finish. The Vols' 26-10 home win over Alabama strengthened their résumé in a weekend when several of the league's heavyweights were busy losing.

Georgia still tops the SEC list at 26.7 and third nationally, with an 11-1 projection, despite falling to Auburn. Alabama held the second spot in the league at 24.2 despite a second straight loss, though the Tide look one more defeat from falling out of the playoff picture. Texas and LSU round out the group ahead of Tennessee, with Ole Miss fifth at 18.8.

The shakeup underneath tells the week's story: Auburn's 27-24 stunner over previously top-ranked Georgia, Florida's road win at Texas, and Kentucky's 6-1 start all reshuffled the middle of the league — and underlined how deep the SEC runs this season.

For Tennessee, the model leaves the door open. With ranked opponents Kentucky and LSU still on the schedule, the Vols could earn their way to 10 wins and the College Football Playoff if they keep stacking results like Saturday's.