Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with the media in Knoxville on Monday morning ahead of the Vols’ Third Saturday in October game against Alabama this week in Tuscaloosa.
Heupel spoke highly of the importance this game has for both sides and gave praise to Alabama’s team and to quarterback Jalen Milroe.
The Tide are 6-1 through the first seven games of the season with a loss to Texas in Week 2. Alabama comes into the game with the No. 15-ranked defense in the country while Tennessee is two spots behind at No. 17 in the country. Tennessee ranks No. 8 in the SEC in total offense while Alabama is one spot behind in conference rankings at No. 9.
No. 11 Alabama will host No. 17 Tennessee this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET in Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
More from RTI: Josh Heupel Updates the Status of Three Key Vols Entering Alabama Week
Here’s a look at everything that Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said about the Vols’ upcoming game against Alabama during a Monday press conference in Knoxville:
Opening Statement…
“Lot of really positive things, some things that we have to clean up before we get to this weekend in Tuscaloosa. Really good football team that we’re playing. They’re playing well in all three phases of the football game. Their quarterback [Jalen Milroe] is playing extremely well, been accurate with the football down the field. Obviously, he’s extremely dynamic with his feet as well. Defensively, they’re creating a bunch of negative plays, hitting the quarterback sacks and tackles for loss. Special teams are really good. Huge test for us, one that we’ll be excited for. Have to focus on our preparation here this week.”
On Slowing Down Alabama’s Pass Rush…
“I’m going to say this, and it’s kind of on repeat from last week too, you have to have some efficiency in the run game. You get into long yardage situations, these guys are going to be able to pin their ears back and come after the quarterback. They’re multiple in what they do. All five guys have to operate together in the run game, but you have to be in sync in your pass protections too. You have to get the ball out on time. There’s going to be a bunch of one-on-one matchups out on the outside. You have to go win some of those matchups and be accurate with the football. It’s going to take all 11. They all play a piece in what goes on in the run game and in the pass game, too.”
On When Quarterback Jalen Milroe is at his Best…
“He’s made a bunch of plays from inside of the pocket, pushing the football down the football field. His ability, if you don’t have rush integrity, to get out and make plays with his feet, it’s something that pops out on the tape. When the ball is in his hands and he’s a part of the run game, he’s dynamic. He’s someone that you have to have bottled up every snap. He’s a dynamic playmaker.”
To see everything that Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said during his Monday press conference, click here.
3 Responses
Coach Huepel has a chance to determine Tennessee’s destiny by the fact that they play both Ga. and Bama. Problem is, he can’t beat them with the present QB. Loyalty to one player is one thing but loyalty to the whole team and alumni and fan base is another. Think of how these wins could do for recruiting also. The freshman has poise and talent to spare. Milton looks the same as he did his first start. Lost. Bill Rudder played second fiddel till the bowl game and was MVP playing one Quarter. Darrel Dickey was a fifty year senior who had never played. It goes on and on.
Please COACH Saban please do something about #74 OT he has two left feet out of shape I am sure you have a better tackle on the roster. I ama diehard Alabama fan watching #74 makes me sick to my stomach. He is going to get Jalen Milroe demolished
I like everyone else would love to see Nico but it wouldn’t be fair to throw him in that game and expect him to complete at a high level. So we must ride the horse that brought us here and hope for the best.