Tennessee’s passing game has been the focus of many during Josh Heupel’s first season in Knoxville, and part of that equates to ongoing injury issues that the Volunteers have had at the QB spot.

On Wednesday, however, Heupel said his focus when it comes to the offense is his team’s rushing attack.

“The running game is really where everything starts for us,” said Heupel during the SEC coaches teleconference. “It’s important to set the tone for the game. It’s hard on the offensive line to drop back (into pass protection) all the time. … Our passing numbers at times (have) gotten a ton of exposure because there’s been a lot of success there, but the secret behind the sauce is really our running game.”

Tennessee has been successful on the ground in 2021, averaging just over 200 yards a game, which ranks 34th nationally. That success come thanks in part to the running back tandem of Tiyon Evans and Jabari Small, who have combined for more than 400 yards and 4 touchdowns, as well as mobile quarterbacks who are a threat to run.

As far as where things stand presently at the QB position, Heupel didn’t offer much in terms of what to expect at Missouri on Saturday, but he did provide a brief update on Joe Milton’s status.

“Joe’s continued to get better,” Heupel said. “He’s moving around on the practice field. Closer to 100% at this point.”

A transfer from Michigan, Milton began the year as the starter, but he was injured in Week 2 against Pittsburgh and replaced by Hendon Hooker.

When Hooker was injured late in Saturday’s loss at Florida, Milton came on to finish the game and completed 2-of-8 passes for 54 yards.

For the season, Milton has passed for 243 yards and a touchdown and added 120 yards and 2 TDs on the ground.