Tennessee HC Josh Heupel Post Game After Defeating Alabama

This past Saturday, on the third weekend of October, the Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide at home 24-17. In his postgame press conference, Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel discussed his team's performance in this victory.

Josh Heupel began his press conference by saying, "We need to find a way to start faster and be better." Heupel addressed the Volunteers' first-half troubles this season, as they have failed to score a single point in the first half of their last three games.

Get our free mobile app

When asked about the first-half troubles, Heupel stated, "A win is a win in this league; margins are close. "We want to be the best we can be." Heupel also stated that "Nico has to settle in a little earlier" with the Volunteers' freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleva missing on multiple big plays where he would overthrow his wide open wide receiver, as well as a costly interception inside the redzone when Iamaleva attempted to force a pass into double coverage.

Heupel praised his young quarterback, stating that he liked his "mental toughness," with the young quarterback making big-time plays in the second half of the game, particularly when Iamaleva threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Brazil II, giving the Volunteers the final lead of the football game. Nico Iamaleva finished with 194 yards through the air and one passing touchdown.

Tennessee's head coach continued to praise his squad for their outstanding second-half performance, which resulted in 24 points and ultimately led to the victory at the end of the fourth quarter. He stated that his team exhibited "competitive composure" and "didn't blink an eye" at halftime, when the Volunteers trailed the Crimson Tide by seven points.

Josh Heupel discussed Birmingham native Will Brooks' game-winning interception, saying that "I'm sure he'll tell that story to his grandkids and great grandkids and anybody that wants to hear." Heupel praised Brooks, noting that he's a "special player, and just a special guy".

Heupel spoke highly of his defense, which limited the Crimson Tide to 75 rushing yards and 17 points. When asked if he believed the Volunteers could ever do this to an Alabama team, Heupel responded, "This group believes that they're really good, and that if they play 11 guys together and play physical, that these guys got a chance to be really special."

Tennessee's head coach discussed the victory and what it means to win in the current "landscape" of college football, with Heupel highlighting the obstacles and road that his team and staff have had to overcome in order to achieve such success.

Follow Tide100.9 on Facebook and X to stay up to speed on all Alabama Football news and updates.

The Sportsbook at Pearl River Resort sponsors coverage of Alabama and Tennessee. Located at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, it offers traditional sports betting, where guests can bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events.