“AP Poll Chaos: Alabama Gets the Edge Over Tennessee in Puzzling Twist”

Controversial AP Top 25 Vote: Alabama Ranked Ahead of Tennessee by One Voter

The final AP Top 25 rankings for the 2024 college football season were released on Tuesday, and the Tennessee Volunteers achieved a significant milestone by finishing at No. 9, their highest year-end ranking since 2007. Even more notably, Tennessee was ranked higher than the Alabama Crimson Tide, marking the first time since 2007 the Vols have outpaced their SEC rivals in the final poll.

However, the rankings weren’t without controversy. While nearly every AP voter placed Tennessee ahead of Alabama, one lone voter broke rank. Chris Carlson of the Syracuse Post-Standard caused a stir by ranking Alabama at No. 13 while placing Tennessee two spots lower at No. 15 on his final ballot.

A Head-Scratching Decision

Carlson’s vote has raised eyebrows, given the stark differences in the two teams’ seasons. Alabama ended its year with a disappointing 9-4 record, capped by a loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. This marked the first time the Crimson Tide failed to reach double-digit wins since Nick Saban’s inaugural season in 2007.

On the other hand, Tennessee had an impressive 10-3 season and made it to the College Football Playoff. Two of the Volunteers’ losses came at the hands of playoff-bound teams, Georgia and Ohio State. Alabama’s losses, meanwhile, came against non-playoff teams: Vanderbilt, Michigan, and Oklahoma.

Most importantly, Tennessee defeated Alabama head-to-head during the regular season, a crucial metric that should weigh heavily in any rankings discussion. With this direct comparison, Carlson’s decision to place Alabama above Tennessee appears to lack a solid foundation.

A Questionable Motive?

Carlson’s voting decision becomes even more curious when considering his background. As a writer covering Syracuse football, he may not have the same level of familiarity with SEC teams compared to other voters. Furthermore, Tennessee and Syracuse are set to meet in the 2025 season opener in Atlanta, a game that could now carry extra tension given Carlson’s puzzling ballot.

For Tennessee fans, Carlson’s ranking could serve as bulletin board material heading into next season. The Vols will undoubtedly want to make a statement against Syracuse, and this voting controversy might provide added motivation.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about subjectivity and inconsistencies in college football rankings. While most AP voters align closely in their evaluations, outlier votes like Carlson’s can cast doubt on the system’s reliability. Rankings play a significant role in shaping narratives, postseason opportunities, and even recruiting. As such, ensuring that all voters approach their ballots with fairness and transparency is essential.

For Tennessee, the final rankings ultimately validate their resurgence as a national powerhouse. While one questionable vote won’t diminish their successful season, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability that still surrounds college football polls.

As the 2025 season approaches, Tennessee will have its sights set on continuing its upward trajectory—and perhaps proving once again why they belong ahead of Alabama in the rankings.