Before head coach Josh Heupel arrived on campus, do you recall what life was like for Tennessee football fans? It would be a huge understatement to suggest that things weren’t enjoyable since Tennessee wasn’t even near to the level at which this team is now playing.
The Vols were vying for a spot in the College Football Playoffs under Heupel not long ago, but they were eliminated when just four teams qualified. However, Heupel secured a CFP spot this year, making program history.
It’s clear that the Vols aren’t content with simply qualifying for the tournament, but you also have to consider how far the program has advanced under Heupel’s leadership. Heupel himself took a minute to reflect on what his team has achieved in 2024 when addressing the media on Monday.
The fact that his team made it to the College Football Playoffs makes Josh Heupel extremely proud.
Heupel stated via 247Sports, “Yeah, absolutely, (it’s) the next step for us as a program.” “I believe we placed sixth in the nation two years ago. Many men have contributed to the construction of this. Before there was concrete evidence on the field of who we are, what we stand for, and how we will play together, someone like Dylan (Sampson), a member of the senior class, got into the concept. The males in the locker room are the sole reason it occurs. There are several guys in the room that genuinely care about the other guys. They are fierce competitors who are extremely proud of their efforts to re-establish this program.
We adore seeing Heupel exhibit that kind of emotion. Given that the Vols finished 10-2 in the regular season, he has every reason to be proud of his playmakers. People were concerned that Tennessee might not qualify for the College Football Playoffs after their defeat to Georgia, but UT was able to secure their spot thanks to consecutive victories over UTEP and Vandy.
A significant test against the Ohio State Buckeyes is scheduled for Saturday night. Given that they are six points behind, Heupel and his team are aware that the game will not be simple. Nevertheless, nobody in the locker room cares about it.
Every Tennessee playmaker has faith that the Vols can easily defeat the Buckeyes. If UT wins, they will have a date with No. 1 Oregon on January 1. The Vols’ decision to travel to Eugene is still up in the air, but this team has a lot to be proud of no matter what.