Josh Heupel reacts to Tennessee's dominating victory over South Carolina
Tennessee roared out to a 28-0 lead after one quarter and rolled from there to a 45-20 victory over visiting South Carolina on Saturday.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker passed for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns and added 66 yards and a score on the ground for the Volunteers, who improved to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in SEC play.
After the game, Josh Heupel caught up with the media to discuss his team’s play.
Here’s a look at some of his comments on the game:
On his team’s confidence after 2 dominant performances in a row:
Heupel on confidence going forward: I think our players have seen that if you buy into the process and play at a high level, the results will come. We're on to the next one with Ole Miss.
— Ethan Stone (@Ethanstone23) October 9, 2021
On all of the injuries his team is dealing with at this stage of the season:
Heupel: Our guys have got to have a next-man-up mentality. If we continue to work and prepare and it’s about the team, when you get an opportunity, you’re going to be ready.
— GoVols247 (@GoVols247) October 9, 2021
On the drop off in performance after the big first half:
Heupel said that, on Monday, there are a lot of things from the second half that they can catch the players’ attention with.
“We’re far from perfect. But they care about each other, they’re prideful, and they’re growing in really good habits.”
— Jake Nichols (@jnichols_2121) October 9, 2021
On the progress of quarterback Hendon Hooker:
Josh Heupel on #Vols QB Hendon Hooker:
He has complete command in everything we are doing. He continues to grow and take care of the football.
— Madison Blevins (@Madison4Blevins) October 9, 2021
On the influence the up-tempo approach has on the home crowd:
Josh Heupel on how the #Vols tempo caters to fans: “I hope they enjoy the heck out of it. We’re going to play fast and physical in all three phases of the game. Our kids are competing really hard. That’s the first step to making the fan base and this state proud of who we are.”
— Jake Nichols (@jnichols_2121) October 9, 2021
On what he hopes recruits are seeing from the Vols:
Josh Heupel: We want to be the fastest, most aggressive football team on the field every single Saturday. I know recruits are seeing that each week. They see how much we're improving and how much fun we're having.
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) October 9, 2021
On his team sitting at 4-2 halfway through the regular season:
Heupel on Tennessee's 4-2 record at the midway point: We were good enough to win today, that's really all I'm thinking about right now.
— Ethan Stone (@Ethanstone23) October 9, 2021
