Home > News > College Football > Fans roast Josh Heupel, play calling after dismal 2nd half vs. Alabama

Fans roast Josh Heupel, play calling after dismal 2nd half vs. Alabama

Published: Oct 21, 2023 · 7:15 PM EDT

Tennessee had an excellent first half against Alabama. Tennessee then played perhaps their worst half of football since Week 3 against Florida in the 2nd half, giving way to a 34-20 Alabama win.

It’s a reversal that’s almost jarring to look back on. The Vols were humming in the first half with a good mix of pass and rushing plays. Joe Milton looked comfortable and the Vols looked dangerous because of it.

An early strike from Alabama out of the halftime gate, a few dumb penalties and inept play calling in crucial situations (such as lining up in shotgun on 4th and less than 1 twice) all but buried the Vols when rubber hit the road. Tennessee failed to score in the final 30 minutes.

Fans were quick to point the finger at Heupel and the Vols’ conservative finish to the game from a play calling perspective. Here’s what social media had to say:

Idk if it’s that Josh Heupel hasn’t trusted Joe Milton, or if Alex Golesh was calling the plays last year.

Whatever it may be… playcalling has been a gigantic issue this year.

— BigOrangeHub ? (@BigOrangeHub) October 21, 2023

Instead of a “get back” guy, Josh Heupel needs to hire someone who pimp slaps him every time he suggests lining up in the shotgun on 4th and 1

— ً (@ClasslessVol) October 21, 2023

Josh Heupel has to answer for the second half playcalling

— . (@zayjco) October 21, 2023

Josh Heupel has folded up like a lawn chair; what is this weak ass playcalling ?

— Kasey Ray (@kaseyray11) October 21, 2023

Josh Heupel needs to walk back to Knoxville and think about what they just did. Bogus officiating aside, that was a horrendous coaching job coming out of the half. Horrendous.

— Diamond Vols (@DiamondVols) October 21, 2023

No words. Josh Heupel was really a one-year wonder

— Cory Sanning (@CorySanning) October 21, 2023

This is the worst tweet I’ve made in my life. Josh Heupel will never be him https://t.co/oCCBRD6lRD

— ً (@ClasslessVol) October 21, 2023

Josh Heupel rn pic.twitter.com/yBdOH7lzen

— ℍ???????⚡️ (@HamDawg115) October 21, 2023

Josh Heupel talking to Joe Milton… pic.twitter.com/SDHR1IHy7t

— Da Almighty Von ?????? (@Da_Almighty_Von) October 21, 2023

Josh Heupel isn’t having a great day at calling plays in critical moments

— Landon Raby (@lambo_raby10) October 21, 2023

I still think Josh Heupel is the guy. But he is going to have to show that he can win on the road in the SEC.

— SomeRandomGuy (@SomeRndmGuyUT) October 21, 2023