Unless it's helpful to Tennessee in the rankings, I always pull for the conference. Just the way I've always done it. I want every team Tennessee plays to be undefeated when we play them. That helps Tennessee look good when we're actually good enough to beat ANY of them.
Same for bowls and playoffs. The more the SEC looks good, the better chance Tennessee will get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to splitting hairs by the committee.
Some people don't feel that way. That's cool. Everyone's entitled to their opinion.