What does Josh Heupel's Tennessee really need to secure a place in 12-team playoffs?

The Tennessee Volunteers avoided disaster in Week 7 as the Vols rallied to beat the Florida Gators in overtime. With the win, Tennessee is now 5-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play.

The Volunteers entered the year with hopes of making the playoffs, and through six games, they still control their own destiny. But after an upset loss to Arkansas, Tennessee has work to do to make the college football playoff.

What does Josh Heupel's Tennessee need to do to secure a playoff spot?

The Tennessee Volunteers are 5-1 but have already lost in a conference game. With that, the Vols likely can't afford another conference loss if Tennessee is going to make the SEC Championship Game.

The easiest way for the Vols to make the college football playoff is to make it to the SEC Championship Game and win it. A conference win earns a team a top-four seed and a first-round bye.

However, if Tennessee doesn't win the SEC Championship game and loses another regular season, the Vols still have a path to the playoffs.

Tennessee plays Alabama at home on Saturday, and if the Vols can get past the Crimson Tide, it would be a big boost to its playoff chances. Tennessee also has a massive game against Georgia, and if the Vols can split those games and win out going 10-2 with a win over Alabama or Georgia, that should be enough to be an at-large team.

Heading into the matchup, Heupel knows beating Alabama will be easier said than done.

“Another huge contest here for us,” Heupel said, via VolsWire. “It’s a rivalry game and college football as good as it gets here with these two teams playing, so looking forward to seeing our fans on Saturday. We need a great week of practice and preparation...

"Really good football team that we’re playing, talented as everybody knows, the ability to make explosive plays on the offensive side of the football... Huge test for us. We have to continue to get better and get ready to go play really good football.”

Entering Week 8, Tennessee has odds of +115 to make the college football playoff which implies a 46.5% chance. But, with a win against Alabama on Saturday, those odds should skyrocket.