Tennessee football narrowly came out with a win in a hostile environment, downing Mississippi State 41-34 in overtime. Afterward, Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby, quarterback Blake Shapen, running back Fluff Bothwell and linebacker Zakari Tillman met with the media for their press conference.
Lebby has now turned around the program from a 2-10 season in year one to a 4-1 start after the loss to the Vols. While MSU showed up and played well in the loss, he’s not taking moral victories.
“Crushed. Disappointed. Everybody inside our walls the entire week knew we were going to have the opportunity to go win this game,” Lebby said. “We weren’t able to make the plays. They did make the plays to win it. That is this league. I think our guys understand that. The message is, man, hold on to the hurt and understand these moments, this is what we’re fighting to stay away from. Every single day, every single week having the opportunity to just get a little bit better so that next Saturday when we go on the road and play at Kyle Field, it’s the best we’ve been all year long.”
Shapen finished the game with 180 passing yards and a touchdown on 18-of-29 passing. However, he threw a pick-six that Colton Hood returned for a touchdown and fumbled while being sacked for another UT score.
Bothwell dominated on the ground, posting 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 attempts. He also caught one pass for two yards.
Tillman notched six tackles with four solo efforts. He earned a sack and two tackles for loss with an interception, as well.
More From RTI: What Tennessee HC Josh Heupel Said About Pass Interference On Chris Brazzell Against Mississippi State
Watch all the press conferences below.
HC Jeff Lebby
QB Blake Shapen
RB Fluff Bothwell
LB Zakari Tillman
