Tennessee HC Josh Heupel gives thoughts on what kind of atmosphere he expects in the Swamp
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel knows that his team is going to have to deal with a significant amount of crowd noise when UT plays the Florida Gators in the Swamp on Saturday night. Gators head coach Billy Napier, in fact, has already called for Florida fans to be loud for the game against […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel knows that his team is going to have to deal with a significant amount of crowd noise when UT plays the Florida Gators in the Swamp on Saturday night.
Gators head coach Billy Napier, in fact, has already called for Florida fans to be loud for the game against the Vols (not that Florida fans needed to be told…the Swamp is always loud).
On Monday, Heupel was asked by a reporter during his weekly Monday media session about how he expects his team to handle the noise in Gainesville.
Heupel acknowledged that completely tuning out the noise isn't realistic.
"You're not going to completely tune out the noise," said Heupel. "Once you get the play call, you're focusing on your job. It's 11 guys inside the white lines. I don't care if it's at home, on the road, in the backyard, these guys have been doing it for a long time. You do have to control your emotions. You have to be able to execute a play from within yourself. That will be a big part of the football game."
For several players, including transfer tight end McCallan Castles, it will be their first SEC road game.
Castles, however, is excited for the experience.
"For me, every game is crazy, because these are my first SEC games," said Castles on Monday. "So, I am super excited. It is going to be a great area to be in, The Swamp for a night game. It is going to be crazy."
Tennessee didn't handle the noise well in road games last season against Georgia and South Carolina. They'll need to show improvement in that area or it could be a long night in Gainesville on Saturday. Florida fans will likely be prepared to be as loud as possible all night unless Tennessee's offense can silence the crowd early in the game.
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
