Josh Heupel put together a brilliant coaching performance in Tennessee football’s 51-10 blowout victory over NC State Saturday night.
Facing NC State’s unique 3-3-5 defense, Tennessee ran more 12 personnel (two tight end sets) than they ever have under Heupel. NC State head coach Dave Doeren talked postgame about how it was something he never saw while watching Tennessee film ahead of the game.
It worked well with Tennessee running it down NC State’s throat, totaling 249 rushing yards on 44 carries.
It wasn’t only Heupel and his offensive staff’s game plan that was impressive against NC State, the fourth-year head coach had some fantastic play calls over the course of the game. He got receivers and tight end wide open on third down play actions, converted on third-and-longs with both screen passes and designed quarterback runs.
But perhaps Heupel’s best play call of the game came on the opening drive of the third quarter. Tennessee was leaning on NC State with its run game and that’s when Heupel drew up a beautiful play action pass where they slipped tight end Miles Kitselman out of the weak side for an easy 15-yard touchdown.
It’s safe to say that Heupel was fired up after the touchdown.
More From RTI: Five Critical Moments From Tennessee Football’s Win Over NC State
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 8, 2024
As Tennessee football’s official X (Twitter) account accurately pointed out, a new Josh Heupel gif just dropped.
new Heupel gif just dropped pic.twitter.com/BKZjkjhBt9
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 8, 2024
Tennessee improved to 29-12 in his three-plus seasons as the Vols’ head coach. Heupel is now 15-2 in non conference games with his only losses coming in 2021 against Pitt and Purdue (Music City Bowl). Heupel and the Vols will look to add another victory next week when they host Kent State at Neyland Stadium.
