Josh Heupel reveals how Pitt game presents different challenge for Tennessee's big WRs

Tennessee opened the season in impressive fashion, getting a big win over Ball State. A huge jump in opponents will be made on Saturday, going from the MAC to Pittsburgh from the ACC. It’s a return trip for the Volunteers after playing host last season under head coach Josh Heupel.

One of the advantages Tennessee will have throughout the season is their big wide receivers. Cedric Tillman and Bru McCoy are two of the best in the SEC but will now face a different challenge against Pitt. Heupel explained some of the things Tillman and McCoy will have to deal with and said they “trust both of those guys.”

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“We trust both of those guys,” Heupel said. “They are big, strong, and physical. And play that way as well. It will be different than it was for those guys last week though. You’re going to see a bunch of press man on the outside. You got to be able to get off their jam technique and then you got to be comfortable with a body in your hip or on top of you the entire day. Be ready to go make those plays. But we do trust both of those guys.”

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Tillman and McCoy both had big opening games, being two of the top receivers for quarterback Hendon Hooker. The two combined for nine receptions for 110 yards. While neither got into the end zone, in order to beat Pittsburgh on Saturday, that will most likely need to change.

Josh Heupel, Hendon Hooker both trusting one another

Evolving from Volunteers backup to star quarterback over his time in Knoxville, Hooker has earned more trust from his coaching staff. Speaking with the media, the Volunteers head coach elaborated on the “two-way street” that is the Tennessee offense with Hooker now.

“The longer you’re with a quarterback, and the more understanding of what you’re trying to do and why you’re trying to attack a defense that way, there’s more trust from him too, if there’s something new that’s going into the game plan. He can understand the reason why behind it,” began Heupel. “Probably feels more comfortable than he necessarily would when he’s young inside of your offense. So I think it’s a two-way street. You know, for us offensively? From Coach Golesh to Glenn Elarbee to our entire offensive staff. Coach Halzle.

“I think we have a much better understanding than we did a year ago at this time. Who was our personnel, what could they execute and how do we put them in a position to be successful.”