Josh Heupel effect: Tennessee, USF sit atop tempo rankings heading into Week 3

Josh Heupel likes to go fast.

Tennessee fans know that. South Florida fans, by extension, also know that. The Vols and Bulls, led by former Tennessee OC Alex Golesh, currently lead the country’s quickest tempos heading into Week 3.

This is something a lot of SEC fans could have guessed. Tennessee sits alone at the top, averaging 3.13 plays every minute. South Florida sits at 3.03 in 2nd place.

You can find the full list through the link in the post below:

Who plays fast and who plays slow in college football? Here’s the plays per minute data through Week 2:

1. Tennessee – 3.19
2. South Florida – 3.03
3. TCU – 2.98
4. Colorado State – 2.91
5. Texas Tech – 2.87https://t.co/YCoGQex61g

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) September 14, 2023

2022 Tennessee was not dangerous because they were fast. They were dangerous because they were fast and efficient. Of the teams within the top 5 listed above, only Tennessee is still undefeated heading into Week 3. It’s hard to compare another offense in college football to Tennessee’s, after all.

We’ll learn a lot about the Vols’ offense this week in the Swamp against Florida. Joe Milton has shown some struggles in trying to keep up with the tempo and move the ball at an effective pace so far. He has not been dreadful for Tennessee, but he’s far from the leader this type of offense needs as of right now.

Something’s gotta give sooner or later. As for Week 3, the Gators and Vols face off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.