Following Tennessee’s 42-17 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, Head Coach Josh Heupel addressed the media, expressing disappointment in the team’s performance and acknowledging the challenges faced during the game.

Opening Remarks

Heupel began by thanking the Tennessee fan base for their support, noting the significant presence of orange-clad supporters in the stadium. He expressed disappointment for both the fans and the team, emphasizing that the Volunteers did not execute well in any phase of the game, particularly in the early stages. He stated, “Disappointed for them. Disappointed for our team and everything that we have put into it since last January, that we didn’t coach and play better in this one early.”

Defensive Struggles

Addressing the defensive issues, Heupel pointed out early penalties and coverage breakdowns that allowed Ohio State to capitalize on big plays. He acknowledged that while the Buckeyes made plays, the Volunteers failed to recover and adjust effectively. He noted, “Had a couple of busts in coverage, and they made some plays, too. That’s going to happen against a good team.”

Impact of Injuries

Injuries played a significant role in the game’s outcome. Heupel mentioned that several players who had been sidelined in previous weeks were expected to contribute but were limited during the game. He specifically referenced Dylan Sampson’s hamstring injury, which was aggravated early in the game, limiting his availability. He explained, “Just early in the game kind of retweaked it and wasn’t available there for a while.”

Offensive Challenges

On the offensive side, Heupel discussed difficulties in protection and the inability of receivers to create separation. He credited Ohio State’s defense for their performance but also highlighted the Volunteers’ struggles in maintaining consistency and staying ahead of the chains. He remarked, “Early the first couple series we just got behind the chains and weren’t able to pick up a 3rd down.”

Quarterback Performance

When asked about quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s performance, Heupel praised his competitiveness and willingness to fight through adversity. He acknowledged that while Iamaleava made some plays with his feet, there were decisions and throws he would likely want back. He emphasized the importance of the supporting cast in a quarterback’s success, stating, “When you’re playing that position you need to have the guys around you playing at a high level, too.”

Looking Forward

Heupel addressed the need for growth and improvement within the program to compete at the highest level. He stressed the importance of starting the rebuilding process anew each year and not skipping any steps in development. He stated, “We’ll start again and start retooling, rebuilding, and grow as a football team.”

Message to the Team

In his message to the team, Heupel acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but also recognized the efforts and contributions of the seniors and departing players who have been instrumental in building the program. He encouraged the returning players to use the experience as motivation for future growth, saying, “You’ve got to grow and use this to propel you.”