Tennessee football hits the road to play Florida this weekend for a big-time rivalry matchup. Before the Vols head south, head coach Josh Heupel met with the media during the weekly SEC Coaches Teleconference.
He was asked about the Gators’ offense, the rivalry and more.
Here’s what he said.
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Opening statement
“Hello everybody. Great opportunity here in front of us. This is a rivalry game, one that’s always had great importance, the history of it going back to when had divisions here inside of this league, for our fan base. Obviously, playing a Florida team that’s extremely athletic, talented. Lost a couple close ballgames here. Football team that continues to fight and get better. Huge test for us and one that we’re looking forward to. Expect it to be a great environment down there.”
On how Florida’s offense has changed since firing Billy Napier
“They’re still using a bunch of shift, trade, motion beforehand. There’s not a major difference in what they’re doing. They’re being physical up front. Talented out on the outside. Quarterback can do everything that you want him to do. Running back is special. Not a major overhaul to what they’re doing offensively. I’ll leave it at that.”
On playing back-to-back rivalry games to finish the season
“Really starts with this one. The timing of this game is unique to both programs. Historically has been played much earlier, week three, week four in the season. This is one that matters, certainly inside of our building, and to our fan base. The one the following week does too with Vandy. I think that’s one of the unique things here. Different generations of fans have what they think is the biggest rivalry with a lot of the teams here inside of this league that we’ve historically played year in and year out.”
On Kirby Smart saying teams won’t be able to be ‘old’ moving forward
“The landscape has certainly changed. The roster turnover is a greater percentage than it ever has. That’s a positive. There’s some drawbacks to it, as well. Every school inside the league is able to patch the roster and find guys where they may not have somebody that they feel is ready to play. As far as the age of your roster, the number of years that you have a guy inside of your roster certainly has changed with the transfer portal. Building your culture, the expectations, clearly defining those and building ultimately what you need before you get to kickoff in September and throughout the course of the year is tougher than it ever has been.”
On the change to one portal period, the importance to know what you have
“I think that’s what everybody is trying to figure out on their roster. Who is going to be back? What pieces you’re going to have to find in the transfer portal or with your high school signing class.”
On the talent level of Arkansas (asked by Texas reporter)
“They have good talent. Quarterback is dynamic, running back is special. Have good skill out on the outside. Thought they did a good job at the line of scrimmage in that game. I think we were up maybe 17 in the fourth quarter. Gave up a couple of possessions or gave up touchdowns on a couple possessions and game tightened real late. I haven’t seen a bunch of them here late, but I think they’re continuing to play hard, fight and certainly have the talent on any given Saturday to go beat somebody.”
