Jim Mora gives icy handshake to Josh Heupel, makes 'class' comment after Tennessee loss

Tennessee’s matchup with UConn sparked some surprising emotions for a game that was over in the first half.

Before the game even started, words were exchanged between the 2 teams after UConn warmed up on Tennessee’s side of the field.

UConn warming up on Tennessee’s side as the #Vols take the field. Coach Heupel and the team not mincing words as the Huskies return to their side. pic.twitter.com/xNg6Dt8YuP

— Paige Dauer (@PaigeDauerFDP) November 4, 2023

Perhaps the pregame interaction fired Tennessee up, because the Vols stepped on the gas early on and never let up, beating the Huskies 59-3. After the game when head coach Jim Mora and Josh Heupel exchanged a handshake at midfield, it seemed the UConn head coach said something that sparked a reaction from Heupel.

Heupel was asked about the handshake after the game, but his comments didn’t give any additional information about the interaction.

Final:
UConn 3
Tennessee 59

Curious what Mora said as he breezed by Josh Heupel. It certainly got a reaction from Josh. pic.twitter.com/0oU3OLoNyc

— Christopher Gabriel (@CGProgram) November 4, 2023

After the game, Mora had a comment that suggested his team handled all of the interactions with Tennessee with class.

“The only thing I can say is it was a tough game,” Mora said in his postgame press conference. “I am proud of our guys for the class that they showed on that football field before, during and after the game.”