Josh Heupel understands that Tennessee is up against a historic challenge this week when No. 1 Georgia comes to town. And it starts with the Bulldogs’ defense.

“Statistically, maybe as good as anybody who’s ever played the game as a unit,” Heupel said on the SEC coaches media teleconference. “They always have good scheme. They’re well-coached, extremely talented and extremely deep. … For us, we’ve got to play really efficient. You have to have balance in this football game. … You can’t hurt yourself. You have to take care of the football.”

Last week, Tennessee had a dramatic contrast in time of possession against Kentucky in the 45-42 victory. The Wildcats had the ball for 46:08 compared to Tennessee’s 13:52.

“I’ve never been a part of a game with that little time of possession and that kind of success we had. … Kentucky was finding success in the run game and pounding it for 3s and 4s,” he said. “The time of possession was really swung in dramatic fashion. … It wasn’t a game with a ton of possessions, either. Just a really unique game the way it unfolded.”