Tennessee was basically perfect against Chattanooga, but one decision by Josh Heupel should make Vols fans nervous
The Tennessee Vols were essentially perfect in their season-opening 69-3 win against Chattanooga. There were a few things that need to be cleaned up — quarterback Nico Iamaleava and the UT offense could've handled the two minute situation at the end of the first half a bit better, for example — but for the most […]
The Tennessee Vols were essentially perfect in their season-opening 69-3 win against Chattanooga.
There were a few things that need to be cleaned up — quarterback Nico Iamaleava and the UT offense could've handled the two minute situation at the end of the first half a bit better, for example — but for the most part, Tennessee fans should be thrilled with the how the Vols looked to start the 2024 season.
Obviously, there's not much to nitpick coming out of a game like that. But there's one decision by Josh Heupel and his staff that should make Vols fans a bit uneasy.
For the first time in two seasons, the Vols don't have Dee Williams returning punts (Williams made the Seattle Seahawks' initial 53-man roster this fall).
As a result, the Vols are working a few guys as punt returners in an effort to find their best option. Against Chattanooga on Saturday, wide receiver Squirrel White and cornerback Jermod McCoy accounted for Tennessee's only punt returns (safety Boo Carter had a fair catch on a punt return as well).
I'm not sure that utilizing White, McCoy, and Carter as the primary returners is the best idea. Those are three very important players for the Vols — White is one of UT's most experienced offensive players, McCoy could be the team's best cornerback, and Carter has a ridiculously high ceiling. You obviously can't predict injuries, but there's no doubt that using those players as punt returners exposes them to a greater risk of injury. And losing any of those three would be a tough blow for Tennessee.
I'm sure Heupel and special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler feel like they're getting their best playmakers on the field for punt returns. And I certainly understand that — a punt return touchdown can quickly flip the momentum in a game. But other options — perhaps running back DeSean Bishop (who was noted as a kickoff return option during fall camp) or true freshman wide receiver Mike Matthews — could be "safer" for Tennessee.
I wouldn't look for Heupel and Ekeler to make a change here — I think they like the idea of White, Carter, and McCoy having opportunities on punt returns. But man, Vols fans are going to be holding their breath every time one of those guys goes back for a return — especially in SEC games.
