Josh Heupel gives no response to question about officiating against Alabama

After Tennessee gave up a lead and lost, 34-20, on the road at Alabama, head coach Josh Heupel wasn’t pleased with the officiating. But he wasn’t going to say anything about it.

When asked about a disparity in penalty calls after the game, Heupel was mum — intentionally so. He stood at the lectern for about 15 seconds, drumming his hands on it before moving to the next questions.

“Next question. Is that long enough silence?” Heupel said.

Josh Heupel on the officiating in Tennessee’s game at Alabama today:

(via @zachtnt) pic.twitter.com/zBk57UhDgq

— On3 (@On3sports) October 21, 2023

On the day, Tennessee was flagged eight times for 55 yards. Alabama had just one penalty called against it for five yards. And the gap in calls clearly left Heupel steamed.

He just wasn’t going to say that much out loud.

While Heupel was frustrated, his counterpart celebrated

As is tradition, cigar smoke filled Bryant Denny Stadium as the time ticked away on Alabama’s victory over Tennessee on the Third Saturday in October. It’s customary for fans and players alike to enjoy a celebratory cigar after winning the game, which the Crimson Tide did 34-20.

Nick Saban, however, doesn’t like to smoke cigars. As for his plans after Saturday’s victory — which avenged last year’s loss at Neyland Stadium — Saban knew how he was going to try and enjoy his cigar.

“I’ll chew on one for a while,” Saban told CBS’ Jenny Dell with a grin. “I can tell you that.”

"Well, I'll chew on one for a while." – Nick Saban to @JennyDell_ on the victory cigar

And then you MUST un-mute to hear Jalen Milroe's laugh 🤣 pic.twitter.com/mldquoiw4K

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 21, 2023

Alabama got off to a rough start to this year’s showdown. Tennessee took an early 13-0 lead in the first quarter behind strong play from Joe Milton, who helped the Volunteers convert 4 of 7 third downs in the period.

Saban told Dell Alabama had to adjust after that quarter, and the Crimson Tide certainly did. Not only did the offense find its rhythm, but the defense held strong to ride a strong second half to victory. Alabama outscored Tennessee 27-0 after halftime and held the Volunteers to just 129 total yards of offense out of the break.

It’s safe to say the Alabama staff adjusted like Saban wanted, and he said it all started with the Crimson Tide’s first drive of the third quarter.

“I think the big thing was we came out in the second half, two plays and a touchdown changed the whole momentum of the game,” Saban said. “Got our team excited, got our team having energy and we played great after that. My hats off — the fans were great. This is a great win for us.”