Vols' Josh Heupel talks about how he's handling one of the biggest in-season changes across college football in 2024

The Tennessee Vols head into their first bye week of the season on the heels of a 25-15 win over Oklahoma in Norman on Saturday.  Key word: first.  Teams have two bye weeks during the 2024 season based on an NCAA bylaw and scheduling quirk this season.  As such, the Vols have two bye weeks […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Sep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel reacts during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Sep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel reacts during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Tennessee Vols head into their first bye week of the season on the heels of a 25-15 win over Oklahoma in Norman on Saturday.  Key word: first.  Teams have two bye weeks during the 2024 season based on an NCAA bylaw and scheduling quirk this season. 

As such, the Vols have two bye weeks in 2024: September 28 and October 26.  While just 4 weeks apart, they still present head coaches with different priorities during each.  

Josh Heupel was asked about the difference between the two and his approach to each one. 

"It's different. It's been a long time since I have had two during the course of the year, early part of it. Certainly need to continue to improve fundamentals and technique, and as you get to the second one, I'll probably look a little bit more at the health of your roster. Being intentional and making sure you are ready for that last run."

Heupel also mentioned during his opening statement about how he and his staff will be doing recruiting trips during the week as well, but as that process never stops for a head coach, that's not surprising at all. 

Heupel's approach is logical.  You'd expect by Week 9 for your team to have execution down and be working in rhythm by that point, with injuries presumably having accumulated to varying degrees.  Week 4-5, that's still potentially a work in progress as far as the functionality of your offense and defense as units.

The Vols are also doing relatively well on the injury front. The primary concerns at this point are tackles Lance Heard and John Campbell, Jr.  Heard was ruled out in advance of the Vols' tilt against Oklahoma, and Campbell left during the game with an injury.  According to Heupel, both appear to be available for the Vols' October 5 matchup with Arkansas. 

As such, it appears Heupel can turn his attention to getting his team as efficient and prepared as possible as the meat of the SEC schedule awaits. 

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