Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel said the right things after his team won 56-0 against Tennessee Tech on Saturday afternoon.

Specifically, Heupel was complimentary of the Vols fans in attendance.

Heupel opened his post-game press conference by praising Tennessee fans.

"First of all, I thought the fans were fantastic today," said Heupel. "Third straight home game, noon ball game, the Vol Walk was energetic, it was awesome. The environment for our players running out today, I thought the people that showed up were into the football game early and did a great job, so we appreciate that."

The announced crowd at Neyland on Saturday was 80,053 — one of the smaller crowds at a UT football game in recent memory.

Heupel could've easily been critical of the turnout — a la Jeremy Pruitt at the 2018 Orange and White game.

Instead, Heupel took the time to praise the fans. That's a wise move by Heupel. Tennessee needs the fans to show up in a big way. The players feed off the crowd. And it helps in recruiting.

Praising the fans who showed up goes a long way in persuading fans to come to future games. No one wants to be lectured. And Heupel seemingly understands that.

The other comment that Heupel made on Saturday after the win that was appropriate was his comment about Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker missing on deep balls.

"There were some plays in the pass game from in the pocket with wide receivers behind the secondary and not connecting on those," said Heupel. "You have to, at some point, make those plays.”

Heupel is right. Tennessee's wide receivers are getting open down the field. More accuracy would result in more points.

I like that Heupel is holding his quarterbacks accountable. They have to be better. Anyone who has watched the first three games this season knows that.

And fortunately, Heupel isn't concerned about making things appear to be better than they really are.

Heupel knows what good quarterback play looks like. I'm confident he'll get Tennessee's passing game where it needs to be.

It won't happen overnight, but it will happen. Give it time. The Vols are going to find success under Heupel.

Featured image via Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports/Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services