Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers are right there, they just have to keep going.

Tennessee jumped to a 10-0 lead at Sanford Stadium in Athens Saturday night, but things went south from that point on. Georgia outscored Tennessee 31-7 across the remainder of the game as the Vols’ usually lethal pass rush failed to get home on Carson Beck.

As a result, Beck turned in his best game of the season. The Vols offense was better than usual on Saturday, but it still wasn’t enough to catch up to the Bulldogs as Tennessee receivers struggled mightily.

But Heupel is only focused on turning the page after that loss to the Bulldogs. Tennessee still has a shot at the College Football Playoff, and it’s all about controlling what they can control moving forward. According to Heupel Monday, it’s time to further invest and take that next step.

Tennessee HC Josh Heupel on turning the page: This group is extremely competitive. They work hard. They made last week a big game because of what they’ve invested… This is the next step for us. We’re in the arena, you’ve got to go make it happen.

— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) November 18, 2024

Tennessee’s path to the playoff is not far-fetched, but it will likely take some help. The Vols need to win out, for starters. Florida beating Ole Miss would be preferred, and BYU’s loss to Kansas means there will likely only be one Big 12 program in the Field of 12. Finally, Indiana would need to lose to Ohio State by a wide margin.

For now though, Tennessee has to focus on itself. It starts with this weekend against UTEP before the Vols travel to Nashville to face Vanderbilt.

Ethan Stone

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