Kirk Herbstreit believes teams will begin replicating Tennessee offense

One program stands out when discussing who broke out during the 2022 season — the Tennessee Volunteers. Ten wins and an Orange Bowl victory against Clemson have people on Rocky Top feeling like they are ready to compete on the national stage. Head coach Josh Heupel and his offensive scheme deserve a lot of credit, blowing teams out of the water on a weekly basis.

From a defensive perspective, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit explained why Tennessee’s offense is nearly impossible to play against. On most plays, Heupel will have his talented wide receivers going up against man coverage. With their size, strength, and ability, the Vols usually wind up winning those battles.

“As a defensive guy, you’re always one man short,” Herbstreit said at the On3 NIL Elite Series Event. “If you’re light in the box and you got a line, and if you have a quarterback like last year with (Hendon) Hooker, you’re always short. So, you got to bring a safety down. And now, you’re playing zero. And now, you got to find one receiver who can win one on one.”

Nobody succeeded more in those scenarios than Jalin Hyatt. Winner of the Biletnikoff Award, Hyatt finished with 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. None of his performances were more impressive than the Alabama one when Hyatt was seemingly open on every play. 207 yards and five touchdowns on just six receptions.

Due to the success, Herbstreit believes other programs will attempt to copy Tennessee. At times, the SEC can become a copycat league, especially when you take down one of the big dogs. Before we know it, Heupel’s offense will be sprinkled around the country.

“I think people are going to start mimicking it,” Herbstreit said. “I think a lot of people are going to study what Tennessee did last year and they’re going to try to recreate those one on ones… I like that offense. I’ll think you’ll see more and more of it this year.”

Implementing the scheme may be something other coaches can pull off but having players such as Hooker and Hyatt is just as important. Josh Heupel himself will be hoping with those two guys off to the NFL, Tennessee can produce similar results.

Recruiting has always been the lifeblood of any good program, finding players who excel in favorable matchups. For Tennessee’s specific offense, Heupel has them ahead while everyone else now looks to replicate their success.