Tennessee won the game of the year (to date) on Saturday.

Chase McGrath’s 40-yard field goal on the final play of the game lifted the Volunteers to a 52-49 win over Alabama and firmly into the national spotlight.

Josh Heupel’s team now finds itself ranked 3rd nationally in the AP Top 25 and a serious contender to earn a College Football Playoff berth.

It was a big win for Tennessee and a great recruiting opportunity for Heupel’s program.

“One of the great things about being here at Tennessee is you get to showcase the city, the environment and what happens inside the stadium,” Heupel said Wednesday during the weekly SEC coaches teleconference. “Our environment is second to none. … That celebration on the back end is one of those once-in-a-lifetime situations. … Everybody loved the environment.”

One of the heroes for the Vols on Saturday was WR Jalin Hyatt, who caught 6 passes for 207 yards and 5 touchdowns in the game.

Heupel was asked Wednesday if he thought Hyatt might be the best receiver in the SEC.

“Those are the things you guys get to talk about, write about, think about,” Heupel said. “We’re worried about what Jalin Hyatt can do to be a better receiver. Obviously, he’s a dynamic receiver who continues to grow. … There’s still more out there for him. That’s the exciting thing.”

Of course, Tennessee has been without one if its best receivers the last couple of weeks, as Cedric Tillman has been sidelined with an ankle injury.

Heupel updated Tillman’s status Wednesday

“Looks good out there,” Heupel said. “Just his ability to function at 100% and feeling comfortable. We’ll see where we are at the end of the week and make a decision on what’s best for him in the short-term and the long-term.”

Tennessee’s is back in action Saturday with a home game against UT Martin. The game is set for noon (ET) and will be televised by the SEC Network.