Josh Heupel makes tweak to offense that should help the Vols beat Florida
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel showed in UT's 63-6 win against Akron that he's not afraid to make small tweaks to the offense. And one of those small tweaks should help the Vols beat the Florida Gators on Saturday in Knoxville. Against Akron, Tennessee utilized the speed option several times, which is something we […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel showed in UT's 63-6 win against Akron that he's not afraid to make small tweaks to the offense.
And one of those small tweaks should help the Vols beat the Florida Gators on Saturday in Knoxville.
Against Akron, Tennessee utilized the speed option several times, which is something we aren't accustomed to seeing in Heupel's offense.
In the second quarter, with the Vols in a 4th-and-4 situation, Tennessee called for the option.
Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker took the snap, read the defense perfectly, and pitched the ball to true freshman running back Dylan Sampson, who scored from 10 yards out.
That's an incredibly frustrating play for opposing teams. And if Tennessee can continue to execute it as they did against Akron, it will be a huge weapon for an already dangerous offense moving forward.
I could certainly envision the Vols using the speed option in big situations against Florida this upcoming weekend in Knoxville.
And the good thing for Tennessee is that they haven't used this play a lot, so there isn't a lot of film on it. It's not like the Gators will be able to watch film and pick up tendencies related to the option.
Essentially, it feels like Heupel broke it out a few times against Akron to run it in a live-game situation. Now that Heupel knows Hooker has the execution down, he might be more willing to use it in an SEC game.
The crux of Heupel's offense isn't going to change — it's all about tempo. But we're seeing that his offense will always evolve. And that evolution could be key against the Gators on Saturday.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
