Tennessee (4-3, 2-2 SEC) lost to Ole Miss (5-1, 2-1 SEC) Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Following the Southeastern Conference contest, first-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with media and recapped the matchup. Below is a transcript provided by the University of Tennessee of Heupel’s media availability.
Opening statement
“First, I just want to acknowledge for the few fans, what transpired at the end and disappointed on how the game ended as things were being thrown from the crowd, but I know that’s very few of our crowd members. For most of the football games, that was an unbelievable atmosphere to see Vol Nation show out the way they did. From the Vol Walk to the stadium, to the atmosphere inside of the stadium, I thought we’re awesome. Those were two good football teams who played hard tonight. Unfortunately, we got the short end of the stick. I talked to our guys in the locker room and was disappointed because didn’t think we played smart enough in all three phases of the football game. We didn’t play smart enough to make the plays that were there for us and beat ourselves in some way. I’m not taking anything away from Ole Miss, that’s a really good football whose quarterback is a special player.”
On if he was getting explanations from the refs
“Occasionally, I did. On Tyler Baron’s play, they said that forward progress had been stopped, and that it was a non-reviewable play. The spot was the decision they came to and the chains were being moved, and I didn’t get an explanation on it.”
On Hendon Hooker’s status and what the discussion on the field was as debris was being thrown
“No update on Hendon at this point, it’s too early and we’ll find out as the weekend goes on. As far as what was being said on the field, I was thinking by how much time was on the clock and that we had three timeouts I knew the game wasn’t over. The first part about that whole situation was player safety.”
On the atmosphere tonight and how it impacts the future of this program
“I think it’s been built by our players: there’s enthusiasm, excitement, and belief about the progress that our players are making on the field. I’m proud of them for building that, but we’re just starting our journey together. Our fanbase is passionate and prideful just like our players are. Tonight was a showcase of what Vol Nation is about. If you come down and make a turn towards Gate 21, the gallery was as deep as you could see. It was a phenomenal atmosphere that was created, and for four-and-a- half hours, it was electric. Our fans showed out in a great way, and this is why I wanted to be here. I believe in the power of the T, this athletic department, and this fanbase. Tonight was a great showcase of that.”
Continued: Everything Josh Heupel said following Tennessee-Ole Miss game