FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Here’s what head coach Josh Heupel said after No. 4 Tennessee lost 19-14 to Arkansas on Saturday night at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. That’s right.
opening statement
“It was a disappointing night for us as a soccer team, and I think we weren’t quick enough to react or start quickly. We didn’t do the things we were supposed to do at a high level. Offensively, we were hurting them all the way in the first half. We were able to extend the drive and make some third down conversions, which wasn’t enough tonight, starting with me and the right side of the scoreboard during all three phases. We have to find a way to be in position. And we have to be better. So at this point, you all come together, try harder, fight harder, and play for each other. And we’ve had the opportunity to continue to grow. As everyone can see, there’s obviously a lot more. But the important thing is that we have to continue to improve.”
What were the problems with Tennessee’s offense?
“That means we’re quick to find a way to get behind the chains early. If you look at our first three drives, there were things that really hurt us: guys downfield, false starts, Holding, whatever it is. So when you add up their time of possession, all of a sudden you’re looking at the scoreboard at the end of the first half. We’ve got to play smarter and be better up front. We’ve got to play better with our skill players on the perimeter and we’ve got to play better at quarterback as well. It starts with me. We all get better.”
Tennessee’s offensive line struggles
“It’s a combination of things. Some of it is me, some of it is things that our guys aren’t doing. So it’s a combination of everything.”
Did not attempt a long field goal at the end of the first half.
“I felt like I was just outside (field goal range). I could tell the wind had changed direction a little bit. That was something we talked about and I tried to work my way to the sideline and get another shot. It was a decision I made to seize the opportunity to pursue a career.”
Tennessee’s Jordan Ross was supposed to go for a block when he hit the punter.
“We were playing a fake and making a safe call, and he was going to put the shield in there. He got hit, so I talked to the people involved, and I guess he hit him in the face with his hand, too.” I haven’t seen the entire clip, but that’s what I was told.
If Tennessee allows Arkansas to score on the final play of the first touchdown drive to get more time.
“Yeah, we were trying to give ourselves a chance to answer in a timeout situation at the last minute.”
Tennessee offensive line penalties, identifying problems
“It was our fault earlier, I don’t know if they clapped one or two people or not. You can tell by watching the tape.”
What was the right play for Nico Iamareaba on Tennessee’s final snap?
“Yes, this is a complete concept read. He ended up scrambling out of there. After all, in that scenario, you have to get the ball up and give one of your teammates a chance to make a play.” Hmm. Nico, like me, and like our football team, I wish we had played better with the ball in our hands. You want to give someone a chance to go make a play. He’s disappointed in it, but he’s got to bounce back from it. He’s been playing too well, so it’s appropriate. I couldn’t handle it. And I know he will.”
Joe Milton did the same thing against Ole Miss in 2021, so why did it happen twice?
“Different situations. Older quarterback and first-year (first-year) player. Experience.”
What the current state of college football says about three teams in the top 10 in the SEC playing today and losing.
“I’m saying what I’m sure I said on Monday: Hey, hey, you better come play real good football in this league and play smart football every Saturday. The gap in this league is really narrow. We have to come back and get better and prepare for next week and we haven’t been home for a while. I’m looking forward to it. We have to play really good football to give ourselves a chance to win.”
How was the University of Arkansas able to survive long drives in the first half?
“Run the football, convert on third down and vice versa. We didn’t do that. We didn’t convert on third down. We made a couple third downs early in the third quarter. , moved the ball and scored points.”
Rhys White in a sling and Blue McCoy in a cast after the match
“There will be no (updates). We’ll see as we go.”
What Arkansas has done so well to make it difficult for Tennessee to run its football.
“Yeah, the structure was a little different than what they were showing on tape. I thought they adjusted after the first drive. More than anything, again, they shot themselves in the foot early and stuck it out. When you play from behind, you’re not as efficient on third down. I mean, when you put those two together, how do you get a half like we do?”
Message to the team after the loss
“Well, it’s pretty simple. When moments like this happen, the outside world tells you a story. When things are going well, you talk about it, but tonight it didn’t go well. You have to look into the eyes of your teammates. Their opinions matter. We have to keep pulling the rope harder. We have to keep growing. Good teams grow even more throughout the year. We still have a chance to become a really good soccer team.”
