By Jack Glennon
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After a thrilling 41-34 overtime road triumph Saturday over the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Tennessee Volunteers football team enters their bye week with an impressive 4-1 record.
Quarterback Joey Aguilar struggled mightily in the second half, throwing two interceptions, ultimately resulting in 10 points for the Bulldogs.
The senior signal-caller, however, was able to turn the page when it mattered most, capping off a 13-play, six-minute drive with a game-tying touchdown rush.
Aguilar believes the late comeback spoke volumes about the grit and determination of the Vols’ offense.
“Stuff happens. Just live to the next play,” he said. “Just [have to] go out there and execute.”
Despite the dramatic win, Volunteers Head Coach Josh Heupel stressed the importance of staying level-headed as they begin preparing for an SEC clash against the Arkansas Razorbacks, following the bye week.
Heupel, who has won four of five games following a bye week during his time on Rocky Top, seemed confident throughout the press conference that the Volunteers will be ready for the Razorbacks.
“Win or lose, it’s… how do [we] get better,” he explained.
Arkansas, which will enter Neyland Stadium next weekend with a record of 2-3 off its own open week, is undergoing major changes. Bobby Petrino was promoted to interim head coach after the firing of Sam Pittman following a sluggish start. The Razorbacks decided on the coaching change after a 56-13 thrashing at home by No. 21 Notre Dame.
Defensive lineman Caleb Herring said that the team is already looking for ways to limit Arkansas’ senior quarterback Taylen Green.
“He runs like a deer,” Herring said. “We have focused a lot on him. He has a support system, [a] good [offensive] line, [and] great skill players.”
Though Arkansas may not seem like Tennessee’s most challenging opponent, most Volunteer fans likely remember the 19-14 upset the Razorbacks were able to pull off against Tennessee a season ago.
The bye week should also provide some alleviation on the injury front for Tennessee, as its defense in particular has been snakebitten by injuries throughout the early parts of the season.
All-American defensive back Jermod McCoy is expected to make his highly anticipated season debut against Arkansas, though Tennessee brass is still unsure about the return timeline for his positional partner, Rickey Gibson III.
On the other side of the bye, Tennessee fans should expect a healthier, prepared, and motivated Tennessee team against the Arkansas Razorbacks, as the Vols look to improve to 5-1 on the season.