ATHENS, Ga. − Tennessee football is likely on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff.

That's the potential outcome from a 31-17 loss for No. 7 Tennessee (8-2, 5-2 SEC) to No. 12 Georgia (8-2, 6-2) at Sanford Stadium on Saturday.

Here are three overreactions from the loss:

Tennessee isn’t getting the CFP because it can’t score

Saturday was a win-and-in for Tennessee with the CFP. It’s more complicated now.

But what’s not complicated is Tennessee’s offense remains lousy and that is why the Vols likely won’t get into the 12-team field.

UT has an anchor because it lost 19-14 at lowly Arkansas. It couldn’t score then because it's not a great offense. That's why it is averaging 23.4 points in SEC play against a relatively favorable schedule. That has been abundantly clear on the road, which is where it would play if it gets in.

Yes, there still is a path for the Vols to reach the CFP. They have to win out to be in the mix. They might need help on top of that.

But what will happen if Tennessee gets in? It won’t score. The Vols have shown the playoff committee that and done nothing to change that perception. That’s why Tennessee is on the outside looking in.

The Vols offense is what it is and that's because of the wide receivers

Tennessee has given a 10-game sample size of its offense now. The group is flawed and that is especially true on the perimeter.

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Running back Dylan Sampson remains great and should get more All-American consideration that he seems to be getting. Other than that, there's not much to file as a positive. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has flashed greatness, but has been inconsistent. The offensive line isn't reliable in pass protection.

The wide receivers are the biggest issue of all. The group lacks a game-breaker and Dont'e Thornton's second-quarter drop was problematic Saturday. It is a bunch of WR2s and doesn't have a player a team has to fear let alone respect.

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Tennessee’s defensive front was overhyped

James Pearce Jr. broke through the Georgia offensive line in the third quarter, which seemed like the first time a Tennessee player got near Georgia QB Carson Beck. But Beck was already scrambling out of the pocket and heading for a 10-yard touchdown.

The Vols couldn't pressure Beck at all Saturday, which gave the quarterback ample opportunity to make throws. His ability to make plays with his feet was more concerning. Those plays hurt the Vols as much as any Saturday.

UT had two tackles for loss and no sacks.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee shows why it shouldn't be in CFP in Georgia loss