ATLANTA, Ga. — Josh Heupel is an offensive coach. But following the Vols’ 45-26 victory over Syracuse on Saturday afternoon, Heupel handed out game balls to defensive players.
First, Heupel tossed a ball to Jeremiah Telander and referenced the linebacker’s interception on Syracuse’s opening drive of the second half. The interception gave Tennessee the ball in the red zone, setting up a Star Thomas touchdown which pushed the Vols’ lead to 38-14.
Someone in the locker room asked who tipped the pass on Telander’s interception and the Tennessee team applauded for Jalen McMurray who tipped the Steve Angeli pass.
Telander finished the game with four tackles, one for a loss and the big play interception. McMurray also had a big game, tallying seven tackles and a sack.
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Then Heupel gave out co game balls, first to Nathan Robinson and then to Colton Hood. The defensive duo teamed up for perhaps the most important play of the game. Robinson strip sacked Angeli and Hood picked up the fumble and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Heupel tossed the ball to Robinson, asked for it back and then tossed the ball to Colton Hood. The strip sack came just a play after Joey Aguilar fumbled and it gave the Vols a commanding 17-0 lead.
Robinson played major defensive tackle snaps after Jaxson Moi suffered an injury on the first drive of the game and did not return. The redshirt sophomore Robinson recorded three total tackles. Colton Hood was one of Tennessee’s breakout stars at corner, breaking up three passes while recording four tackles.
Check out the video of Josh Heupel handing out game balls and addressing his team postgame here.
the journey begins. pic.twitter.com/zqpMzIWhPm
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 30, 2025
