It’s not a ranking, but it’s a start. Tennessee received 14 points in the Week 2 AP Top 25 poll released on Tuesday. This marks the highest amount received by the Vols since being ranked No. 23 overall in Week 3 of 2012.

With expanded rankings, the Vols essentially move up to No. 39 overall. Last season, Tennessee received two points in the AP Poll after a dominant win over Western Kentucky in Week 2. But following their loss to Oregon, the Vols failed to receive a single point for the remainder of 2013.

Tennessee surpassed the expectations of many with a 38-7 victory over Utah State on Sunday. The AP Poll clearly reflects the idea that the Vols are a team on the rise and could soon find their way to a Top-25 ranking. It’s possible with Tennessee making such a jump entering a Week 2 matchup against Arkansas St.

Though heavily favored, the Vols find themselves in yet another matchup against a surprisingly good opponent. The Red Wolves are coming off a 37-10 win over Montana State and were 8-5 (5-2) in 2013. Another big win could propel Tennessee even higher in the AP rankings entering a tough Week 3 matchup against No. 4 Oklahoma. Hypothetically, it would almost be guaranteed that the Vols receive a ranking if capable of upsetting the heavily favored Sooners and starting the season at 3-0.

Vol fans should take the Week 2 poll as a sign for optimism as the team is definitely starting to gain some national attention. If Tennessee keeps winning, they will eventually break the Top-25, a set goal in Butch Jones’ “brick by brick” rebuilding process.

Once again, another brick was laid in Knoxville as the Vols made small, but noticeable, progress in their effort to reclaim their place as a national powerhouse.