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Josh Heupel reiterates importance of preparation ahead of Week 5 vs. South Carolina
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Josh Heupel already said earlier this week that last season’s embarrassing loss to South Carolina in the penultimate regular season game of the season has “nothing to do” with the Vols’ upcoming matchup against the Gamecocks in Knoxville.
At the SEC’s weekly teleconference Wednesday, Heupel noted that while the game from last season may be used as fuel by Vols fans – something he’s all for, mind you – he’s more concerned with Tennessee players’ preparation and competitive mindset entering Saturday.
He also insisted that the team which plays the smartest is likely to come out on top. Here’s his full quote on the matter:
“(Last season) has nothing to do with what’s going to happen in this one, good or bad,” Heupel said. “To me the team that wins this game is the team that plays the smartest, which means you’ve got to be in control of your emotions, also speaks to your preparation and what you need to do during the course of the week to be able to play your best and not be out there strictly thinking. You’re seeing things, you’re anticipating and you’re playing with great fundamentals and it’s really important that your players stay engaged throughout the course of the week to be at their best.”
“For our fan base, if your fans want to use last year as motivation, I got no problems with that, that’s the great thing about being a fan. I expect our stadium to be rocking like it always is, an electric. If they want to use it, that’s awesome. For us, it’s about our preparation and practice and making sure we’re in a great competitive spirit mindset as we go take the field Saturday night.”
The Vols could be in trouble if they lose this game. For one, fans will be far from happy to let the Gamecocks son the Vols 2 years in a row, and Tennessee will fall to 3-2 through 5 games and 0-2 in conference play to start a year that had high expectations.
But that’s a what-if. We won’t know until the fat lady sings.
Kickoff for Week 5’s matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. from Knoxville and will be aired on SEC Network.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
