Josh Heupel was asked what fans are wondering about this week with the rivalry at stake against Kentucky. Where’s the beer barrel?

“I have not seen the barrel. I don’t know if where it’s located if it is located here in Knoxville,” Heupel said. “… Different fans are going to circle different games and this is a game a lot of people point to every single year.”

Since this game is a contrast in pace of play between up-tempo Tennessee, and run-based more methodical Kentucky, Heupel was asked on the SEC coaches media teleconference how he adjusts to the changing pace.

“You’ve got to maximize your opportunities,” he said. “That’s true if you’re getting 10-11 possessions a game or 14. … Defensively, we’ve got to do a good job at the line of scrimmage and get off the field on third downs. … We’ve got to move the ball offensively.”

The game is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.