Tennessee's last chance to host a College Football Playoff game hinges on the results of the SEC and Big Ten title games. The Vols are currently ranked No. 7 in the updated CFP poll and are slated to play at No. 8 seed Ohio State in a first-round game, but the bracket remains undetermined. With the final playoff selections and matchups set to be announced on Sunday, Tennessee needs to move up one spot to secure a home playoff game.

Explaining Tennessee's Ranking in College Football Playoff Poll

The College Football Playoff selection committee's decision-making process is complex and takes into account multiple factors. Tennessee's head-to-head loss to Georgia on Nov. 16 in Athens doesn't necessarily guarantee Georgia's ranking ahead of Tennessee. Committee chairman Warde Manuel emphasized that there are multiple data points considered, including strength of schedule. "We will see how the (SEC championship) game goes, and we will definitely rank them as we see the results of the game, again, with a high regard for those teams who have made the championships," Manuel said.For Tennessee to jump ahead of Penn State, the Nittany Lions need to take a major tumble in the rankings. If Oregon wins the Big Ten title in a convincing manner, it could highlight a weakness in Penn State's resume. Tennessee's win over No. 11 Alabama is its best win so far. Manuel stated that teams will be given credit for making their conference championship game, but the result of the game will also factor into the final ranking.

Georgia's Win Over Tennessee: Does It Lock in the Rankings?

Georgia's 31-17 victory over Tennessee in Athens on Nov. 16 was a significant win for the Bulldogs. However, Manuel declined to say that this head-to-head win would assure Georgia of finishing ahead of Tennessee in the rankings if they lost to Texas. The committee considers various aspects such as strength of schedule and multiple data points when evaluating teams. As Manuel said, "It's not one stat or data point that determines how we rank the teams." Tennessee hopes that the committee will minimize the importance of the head-to-head result and give them a chance to move up in the rankings.

Penn State's Loss and Its Impact on Tennessee's Chances

If Penn State loses to Oregon, its resume could come under scrutiny. The Nittany Lions have only one win over a Top 25 team, which was against No. 21 Illinois. Tennessee's win over No. 11 Alabama gives them a strong resume. Manuel emphasized that the committee respects teams that make their conference championship game and gives them credit for their season's performance. But the result of the game will play a crucial role in the final ranking.

The Possibility of Tennessee Playing at Penn State

There is a greater chance that Penn State could host Tennessee in a first-round game if they lose to Oregon. Penn State lost to Ohio State, 20-13, in the regular season, and the committee may consider dropping the Nittany Lions behind the Buckeyes. If so, Penn State would be the No. 8 seed and host No. 9 seed Tennessee. There are numerous scenarios that could unfold for the Vols, but their path to hosting a game is becoming narrower.Fortunately, Tennessee is ranked high enough to make the 12-team playoff. All first-round games will be played at campus sites, including one game on Dec. 20 and three games on Dec. 21. The quarterfinals will be at bowl sites, with the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, the Peach Bowl on Jan. 1, the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, and the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. The semifinals will be at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9 and the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10. The national championship game will be on Jan. 20 in Atlanta.Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.