Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel answered questions from the regional media on the SEC Coaches Teleconference Wednesday.
Heupel discussed the ongoing legal case for safety Jaylen McCollough, the challenge of preparing for two quarterbacks and more.
Here’s everything Heupel said ahead of the matchup with the Crimson Tide.
Heupel opening statement: Hope everybody is having a great Wednesday. Just finished up our Wednesday practice here. Guys are in a great frame of mind as you would expect. Everybody is excited and looking forward to the challenge on Saturday afternoon. We’re playing a really good football team. Well coached. Great personnel. It’ll be a huge test for us really in three phases of the game. They do a really good job. Big test for us. We have to continue to prepare the right way here as we get to the back end of the week and we get closer to game day that way we’re ready to play our best.
Question: Any update on Jaylen McCollough’s status?
Answer: No we have not done that yet. Our administration is handling most of that and we’ll have conversation with them as they continue to gather information and make a decision here on the back end of the week.
Q: Any update on Cedric Tillman’s status?
A: Do not have anything. We’ll continue to evaluate. Like I said earlier in the week, that’ll be a decision our medical team and Cedric make on the back end (of the week). If he’s playing you want to make sure he’s 100% and ready to go play the way that he does. He continues to progress. We’ll make a decision here as we get closer to game day.
Q: How did the open date factor into your performance against LSU?
A: For us, the majority of that was development of our young guys, getting back to a lot of fundamentals with our vets and turned our attention to LSU really as we came out of the bye weekend. We had a couple really good days of work on the grass. We had some guys that needed to get healed up that were able to and our coaching staff spent a lot of time out on the road recruiting too.
Q: Is there a story someone has told you about this rivalry that’s stuck with you?
A: I think you talk to different Tennessee fans and different generations, or different people, have (different opinions) on who they think the biggest rival is. I think that’s one of the unique things here. Alabama is obviously a big one for everybody. This means a lot to our fanbase. For us inside this program this week means a lot too. We’ve worked to get to this point to have this type of setting here inside of Neyland Stadium. Excited about that opportunity.
More From RTI: See Tennessee’s SEC Championship Odds
Q: What are the challenges of preparing for both Jalen Milroe and Bryce Young?
A: I think you have to prepare for both of them. You have to have a plan even if you know who the starter is because you know there’s going to be some things that are different depending on if the other guy goes into the football game. For us, start with coach Banks and our defensive staff and players, understanding who’s in and the types of things you’re going to see. Obviously there’s calls that we may adjust in situations depending on who the QB is. You’re having to prepare for both of them anyways.
Q: You mentioned before the Florida game that it took 30 seconds for someone to mention Florida to you after being hired. How long did it take for someone to mention Alabama?
A: Alabama was the first one that got mentioned. Similar to what I was just talking about, different people have different biggest rivals inside our yearly schedule. This is a big game. This is a game that I grew up watching. We’re looking forward to the opportunity we have this week. For our fanbase, this is certainly one that they point to. Looking forward to it.
Q: How good of a linebacker do you think Henry To’oTo’o is?
A: He’s athletic. Has the ability to play sideline-to-sideline. I think he’s continued to grow in his eye discipline and understanding offensive and defensive structures. Does a really good job. I think he sees things extremely well inside the core. He’s a really good football player.
Q: How often during the interview process and shortly after you got the job did you hear about the need to end this losing streak?
A: This is definitely one of the games everybody pointed to. When you come into this job here you have an understanding of the expectations. This is a proud fanbase that expects to win. This is certainly one of a few that gets circled by our fanbase every year. We’ve tried to continue to build and grow as a program. We’ve done that in the early parts of this season. For us, preparation is going to be critical for us to play our best football on Saturday. Understanding that we’re playing a great opponent.
Q: Did any of the powers to be say ‘we have to turn this around’ specifically about Alabama?
A: Did not. No.
Q: What stands out about Alabama’s running back room?
A: I think they do a great job of pressing combinations. Delivering the offensive line to second level blocks. I think they have great pace as the runs are developing. They’re explosive with the ball in their hands. Once they get to the line of scrimmage they’re able to get to the next level extremely well. The way they finish their runs, play with great pad level. (Jahmyr) Gibbs obviously has great elusiveness and the ability to make you miss. He’s a home run hitter so for us, you don’t want to let those guys get started.
Q: What areas of improvement in your defense have you seen most from Ball State to now?
A: Gap integrity through all three levels of our defense. Block destruction. Playing with great pad level, technique. Getting off blocks and making plays. I think those are a couple of things that have helped us on the defensive side of the football in regards to the run game. Have to continue to do that in this one.
Q: How much of Hendon Hooker’s success is from just relaxing?
A: I think Hendon is continuing to grow into the best version of him as a football player. A lot of that stems from the work that he’s put in. Fundamentally growing, understanding offensively what we’re doing, what he’s seeing from defenses. He has found a way to be a great, fierce competitor and still be having a lot of fun while doing it. For him, that’s when he’s playing his best football.
