Josh Heupel gives initial thoughts on UT-Martin
Rocky Top was on Cloud 9 at Neyland Stadium over the weekend, finally getting a win over Alabama. It’s been 15 years since defeating one of the program’s biggest rivals and head coach Nick Saban. Chaos ensued in Knoxville, with everyone celebrating late into the night.
While Vol fans may want to continue reminiscing on the win on Saturday, head coach Josh Heupel and the team have moved on. UT-Martin is next up on the schedule, being the final nonconference matchup of the regular season. Heupel broke down his thoughts on the Skyhawks’ offense during his Monday presser, saying they have the ability to put some points on the board.
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“They’ve put up a bunch of points, bunch of yards in the first half of the season,” Heupel said. “Line of scrimmage is going to be important. We got to apply pressure to the quarterback and got to be able to match guys on the outside on the perimeter. It will be important to win the line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the football in this one.”
UT-Martin currently sits in first place in the Ohio Valley Conference, being an FCS program. Boise State is the only other matchup the Skyhawks have had against an FBS opponent, losing 30-7. Tennessee will be a whole new challenge.
Even so, they have been able to score some points. UT-Martin averages 37.5 points per game.
Josh Heupel looking to run the ball on Saturday
Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt were incredible on Saturday vs. Alabama. The pair combined for five touchdowns and at times, made it look easy.
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Even so, Heupel will once again be looking to win the line of scrimmage and run the ball. Jaylen Wright is the program’s leading rusher but only had 71 yards on Saturday. Heupel will be looking for a bigger performance against UT-Martin.
“For us offensively, the line of scrimmage is where it starts,” Heupel said. “We got to run the football. Defensively, their structure — we got to be able to understand what they’re playing, adjust to it. And then go win some one on ones on the perimeter.”
It’s homecoming for Tennessee, welcoming plenty of former students and alumni back to Knoxville. Even with an 11 a.m. kickoff against UT-Martin, it should be buzzing for the 6-0 Vols.