Tennessee’s offense was tremendous against Missouri, collecting the most rushing yards in a college football game this season. And in reality, there are several factors that all contributed to that success. The Tennessee coaches had to scheme up the right plays, the quarterback had to communicate those players, the offensive line and wide receivers had to block, and the running backs had to run.
In a single word, Tennessee’s players and staff had to execute their in-game tasks. And after scoring 62 points, it’s safe to say they did.
“Excited that we got the result that we did,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said on Monday. “At the same time, you come back in the building on Monday and it’s about how we get better. The challenge is always going to be, how fast we can be as good as we can. I think our guys had the right mentality coming into the building today and going through our Monday.”
Between Monday and Tuesday, a few of Tennessee’s offensive players spoke to the media. Wide receiver Cedric Tillman, along with offensive lineman Ollie Lane and SEC Offensive Lineman on the Week Cade Mays, all gave their perspective on the game. At the end of the day, the Vols’ 62-point showing against the Tigers was good for the team’s confidence, but there is still a lot of room for growth.
In addition to the Tennessee players, offensive and defensive coordinators Alex Golesh and Tim Banks, along with head coach Josh Heupel, also began the week with press conferences.
Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman
“We’re really excited, first SEC game this year in Neyland, you know it’s going to be crazy,” Tillman said on Tuesday. “I already know, so we are excited about it. The last two weeks we have kind of been in away games and it hasn’t really been the same atmosphere-wise, but we are looking forward to playing in front of the fans and putting on a show.”
Tennessee OL Ollie Lane
“So basically, we got the play call, and I knew I was going to pull,” Lane said on Monday. “I told myself that I was going to make this the best pull I’ve ever had. And when I pulled across, I got off the pull, looked up, and saw no one in front of Tiyon. I was like, ‘Ah, that’s a touchdown.’ So, I mean, I immediately threw my hands up playing with a lot of emotion.”
Tennessee OL/Week 5 SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week Cade Mays
“It was just huge, but we got a new week this week,” Mays said about his award on Tuesday. “I was very blessed to have that honor, but like I said on Twitter, it wouldn’t happen if it was just me. Everybody on the field this weekend was playing unbelievable. All four guys up there with me were doing their jobs, making holes for the running backs. Running backs were finding the holes. Quarterbacks were making their reads. Wide receivers on the perimeter, they were blocking, our tight ends were blocking. It’s not just a me award, the whole offense played unbelievably, but I’m definitely blessed to have it.”
