How Josh Heupel showed his brilliance and stumped Alabama players in Tennessee's win
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel is known for his up-tempo offense that keeps defenses off balance. The Vols' offense typically runs at an extremely fast pace which often puts the defense in conflict and creates favorable matchups for Tennessee. Heupel, however, isn't a one-trick pony. He's shown this season that his offense can be […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel is known for his up-tempo offense that keeps defenses off balance.
The Vols' offense typically runs at an extremely fast pace which often puts the defense in conflict and creates favorable matchups for Tennessee.
Heupel, however, isn't a one-trick pony. He's shown this season that his offense can be successful even without tempo.
There have been times this season when the Vols have slowed down, used some clock, and still been effective.
One example of this came against Alabama near the goal line.
In the second quarter, the Vols lined up at the goal line with quarterback Hendon Hooker under center and Princeton Fant at fullback.
Hooker surprisingly handed the ball off to Fant who powered his way into the end zone for the score.
Not only is that a look we haven't really seen from Tennessee under Heupel, but it's a look we don't see much in college football at all these days.
And Alabama head coach Nick Saban admitted this week that his players didn't know what to do in that situation.
This play was a collaboration between the coaching staff and Fant, who spent some time at running back under previous head coach Jeremy Pruitt.
"We had been practicing it all week," said Fant of the goal line play. "Just playing an emergency running back. It's definitely something that we've been talking about, me and coach. Just with that, it's just a blessing to be able to go back there at fullback and just do whatever I can for my team, get in the end zone and help our team."
"We've been talking about it (lining up under center), just talking to the coaches," added Fant. "They've seen my running back skills, they see I can run the ball. With that, it's just, honestly, out there having fun with it. Coach was just like 'Man, you can run the ball?' and I was like 'Yeah, Coach.' We just went from there and are having fun with it."
Heupel and offensive coordinator Alex Golesh continue to impress as play callers. The creativity they've shown — which includes going old school at times — has continued to keep defenses off balance. Opponents never truly know what is coming from Heupel. He's not afraid to break out a new look in a pivotal situation. And usually, it works.
The fact that Heupel had the greatest college football coach of all time completely perplexed at times last weekend is mind-blowing. We've rarely seen Saban at a loss. But that was the case against Tennessee. He had no answer for the Vols' offense. Even after Alabama made what he said were great adjustments, the Vols were still able to easily move the ball down the field and score.
We're seeing something special from Heupel and the Vols this season. They're having their way with some of the best coaches in college football and no one seems to have an answer.
And the encouraging thing for Tennessee fans is that Heupel is staying ahead of the curve by using new concepts and formations to stay one step ahead of future opponents.
I don't think there's any doubt at this point that Heupel is the best offensive mind in the sport.
Featured image via YouTube.com
