The first question Tennnessee coach Josh Heupel fielded from the SEC Network+ crew coming off the field after the Orange and White game was about the quarterbacks.

In the spring game, Hendon Hooker was 10-for-14 passing for 111 yards with a touchdown and interception, Harrison Bailey was 12-for-15 passing for 260 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Brian Maurer was 9-for-15 for 171 yards and a score.

“I thought they did a good job, took care of the football for the most part,” Heupel said. “Obviously there was one big play by Burrell, huge play defensively, did a great job breaking on the ball. But the quarterbacks handled the game. They handled the fans in the stands, the communication, they were efficient all day long. They’ve come a long ways in 15 days, we’ve got three months before we get to training camp. Excited about the growth that both guys have shown and what we’re going to get to by next fall.”

It was Heupel’s first game-like experience in Neyland Stadium, a place he called a college football cathedral.

“I cannot wait to be in here next fall with 103,000 fans and Vol Nation getting this thing going,” he said. “There’s a ton of passion every day inside of this state. This is a great sense of pride for Tennessee and we’re going to get this football program back on top chasing championships.”