Josh Heupel shares Tennessee's area of focus entering Week 2

Tennessee enjoyed a 49-13 victory over Virginia to begin their 2023 college football campaign, and have another easier matchup this Saturday against Austin Peay.

It’s never good to overlook an opponent, according to head coach Josh Heupel, but games like this are especially important for the Vols to be able to focus on themselves. Losing it’s top stars from a season ago, Tennessee is still trying to find its identity on both sides of the ball.

“It all starts with the guy in the mirror, and then ultimately everybody inside of that team room. Preparation’s been really good. It’s been sound. Today was good,” Heupel said on Thursday. “Continued to win the preparation battle here as we get ready for kickoff. You’ve got to be consistent in your preparation and your competitive nature when you walk out on that field. First ballgame inside of Neyland, I expect our guys to be excited and to be ready to go compete for 60 minutes.

“In all three phases, this early in the year, there are so many things that we needed to grow from last week. And I think our guys have intentional in that.”

During Week 1, Heupel’s Volunteers put up 499 total offensive yards, including 287 on the ground. While most of the questions pertained to the wide receiver and quarterback positions, Jaylen Wright has held down the running back position entering his third year with the team. After his 875-yard, 10-touchdown season in 2022, Wright burst onto the scene with a 115-yard performance against the Cavaliers during the season-opener.

Sophomore running back Dylan Sampson scored a hat trick during the afternoon, taking 13 carries for 52 yards and three scores.

A lot was made of quarterback Joe Milton during the offseason after leading the Vols to an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson at the end of last season. He turned those expectations into 234 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing) and performance just the way Heupel needed him to. Expect more dual-threat action during Week 2 as Milton adjusts to being the guy in Knoxville.

Tennessee can now check off boxes in the rushing game, its offensive line (Milton was sacked once), the quarterback position — but still has questions about who can emerge as his top target.

No receiver managed to accumulate more than 70 receiving yard on the day, and the only two players to catch a touchdown pass were a tight end (Jacob Warren) and a running back (Sampson). More will be needed from Ramel Keyton, Squirrel White and Bru McCoy as the season progresses.