Tennessee beats Texas A&M, keeps CFP hopes alive

No. 8 Tennessee beat Texas A&M 22-7 in College Station, keeping its College Football Playoff hopes alive despite a sluggish offensive start. The Volunteers relied on defense and special teams: Cooper Ranvier kicked a career-high five field goals, while Tennessee limited the Aggies to 179 total yards and intercepted two passes. After starting quarterback George MacIntyre left with a knee injury, freshman Faizon Brandon took over and threw a fourth-quarter touchdown; Tennessee also leaned on its running game. The loss dropped Texas A&M to 4-6 and heightened the team’s risk of missing a bowl game. Tennessee closes the regular season against LSU and Vanderbilt, with wins in both games likely to strengthen its playoff case.