Josh Heupel answered nearly every question the media asked him following the Vols’ 33-27 win over Kentucky with an answer of the same length. Until the final question.
Asked about what he learned about his team this week after its second half collapse at Alabama, Heupel responded with a 181-word answer about his fondness for this football team despite its periodic struggles.
Here’s the quote unaltered.
“Tonight wasn’t perfect either,” Heupel said. “Short yardage that we didn’t pick up and our pass defense at times could have been better. We had some penalties, but at the end of the day, this group does continue to fight and compete. And they do believe, and they play for one another, not just the guy that’s next to him on their unit, but they truly play for the other side of the football. Their belief and confidence and that doesn’t just happen. That’s built through your work ethic. Building a brotherhood, building a culture. I’m really proud of that.
There’s a lot of things that we got to continue to improve upon as football team and that includes me and our staff and everybody. But I’ll go with these guys anywhere. I love competing with these guys. Truly do. They prepare and they practice hard and do the things we ask them to. Want them to have an even more heightened sense of urgency to get where we’re capable of as fast as we can. But, I’ll go anywhere with these guys.”
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Tennessee wasn’t perfect against Kentucky but it had to be a very rewarding win for the Vols’ third-year head coach. The Vols finally responded to adversity on the road, Heupel’s offense turned in its most complete outing of the season and the quarterback he’s stood by all year played the best game of his Tennessee career.
The Vols’ secondary struggled with star corner Kamal Hadden out with a shoulder injury that ended his season. Starting left tackle John Campbell left the game and didn’t return with an injury, but the Vols continued to impose their will on the offensive line of scrimmage.
And as Heupel pointed out, Tennessee’s culture shined in the victory. The Vols suffered a tough defeat a week ago and overcame obstacles in the second half.
So no, it wasn’t perfect. But there was plenty for Heupel to like in the win. It’s clear he is proud of his team.
