Josh Heupel's advice with first-half lead on Alabama: 'Reset, replay, refocus'

Tennessee is off to a great start in the Third Saturday in October rivalry game against Alabama, leading 20-7 at halftime after a strong offensive showing from quarterback Joe Milton.

Milton did it all for the Volunteers in the first half, using his legs to soften the defense and then unlocking said defense with his arm.

At halftime Milton was 16-of-22 passing for 175 yards and two touchdowns, while he also led the team in rushing with eight carries for 43 yards.

“Doing the ordinary things at a high level,” coach Josh Heupel said during a halftime interview with CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell. “Fundamentally he’s playing well, but guys’ outside protection has been really solid, so going to need more of that in the second half.”

Tennessee took an early lead in the contest, then added a vital touchdown just before the half while converting on third down.

Milton started the scoring in the first quarter on a picture-perfect pass to receiver Squirrel White in the left corner of the end zone. The Volunteers added a couple of field goals to stretch the lead out to 13-0 before the Crimson Tide got on the board.

Finally, Alabama managed to put together a nine-play, 59-yard drive that was capped by a 10-yard touchdown strike from Jalen Milroe to Jermaine Burton between a pair of defenders. That cut the lead to 13-7.

But Tennessee would answer with the score before half, running a crisp 10-play, 80-yard drive to get into the end zone with just 12 seconds remaining.

Milton found McCallan Castles on an out route on the left side of the end zone while staring down a heavy blitz from Alabama. That put Tennessee ahead 20-7, a mark that would hold into halftime.

So what do the Volunteers need to do to secure just their second win in the last 17 games against the Crimson Tide?

“Reset, replay, refocus,” Huepel said. “Play one play (at a time) during the second half, man. You’ve got to play for 60 in this one.”

Tennessee more than doubled Alabama in total yardage in the first half, boasting a 275-133 edge. The Volunteers had sacked Milroe three times in the first 30 minutes.