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Josh Heupel: Competitive composure will be a premium for Vols vs. Florida

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater•09/20/22•

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(Kevin Langley | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There will be a buzz throughout Knoxville this week with the Tennessee Volunteers’ big-time matchup with the Florida Gators on the horizon. With so much excitement for both programs plus the national attention, it’s going to be difficult to fully lock-in. That’s something that Vols head coach Josh Heupel is going to spend the week focusing on with his team.

Heupel spoke about the composure his players will need to have on Saturday during media on Monday. He wants his players to enjoy the moment this game will provide them. With that said, he also needs them locked in both during their preparation as well as at kickoff.

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“You’re gonna hear the outside noise and the energy and excitement. Our kids should be excited about what the environment is going to be on Saturday,” said Heupel. “Your preparation leads yourself to being ready to play. Competitive composure will be big in this one and at times we’ve done a really good job of that.”

It’s already going to be a lot considering the rivalry that Tennessee and Florida have built over the years. Include the fact that it’s a Top-20 matchup and the lid will be ready to fly off Neyland Stadium this weekend. However, it won’t do the Volunteers any good if they’re so amped up that they don’t perform well. Heupel says it will take a collective effort for everyone to be the right amount of fired up for Tennessee’s SEC opener.

“It’s gonna be important for us all, the 11 guys on the field and everybody on the sidelines, to be able to compete and have the right frame of mind for 60 minutes,” Heupel said.

Josh Heupel missed his first shot against the Gators last season in Gainesville. With his team nearly in the Top-10 and them playing on Rocky Top, Tennessee will be the favorite this time. Still, they’ll have to prepare and play within themselves with all of the distractions coming their way this week. If they can do that, Tennessee will have their chance to start 1-0 in conference play this time around under Heupel.