Josh Heupel took an uncomfortably long pause when asked if he felt the officiating for Tennessee’s loss to Alabama was one-sided.

He tapped on the podium for a few seconds then looked around the room and said “Next question. Was that enough silence?”

It’s obvious Heupel is unhappy with officiating Saturday, regardless of his or his team’s performance in the 2nd half.

Now, let’s get out in front of things here. Heupel is by no means blaming officiating for this loss. He specifically said that the second half collapse was on him, then the coaches, then the players.

Heupel was simply trying to keep from being fined, that’s all.

Tennessee fans will tell you the 2nd half had some… interesting calls. Tennessee was given dreadful field position following a “fair catch” called on Dee Williams where he slightly rose his arms above his waist, if at all.

Some fans claim Tyler Baron was held on the first touchdown throw of the 2nd half by Jalen Milroe. Others were unhappy with a few PI and holding calls, both offensively and defensively against the Vols.

However you choose to view it, Tennessee didn’t get it done in the 2nd half, and it’s not because of the officiating. The Vols stumbled out of the gate and looked like a different team. They were given plenty of chances to execute in the 2nd half, and they refused to take advantage each time.

There are a lot of questions for Tennessee to answer ahead of a trip to Lexington next weekend.