On if the team played with his desired tempo in the scrimmage
“Absolutely. At times, we didn’t play as efficiently in the mechanics of playing with tempo, but some of that is getting the first, first down, too. Early in the scrimmage, there were a couple of three-and-outs. Collectively as a whole, the way that we operate on the offensive side of the ball, I’m overall pleased with what we’re doing.”
On if he is pleased that his defense had a good day during Thursday’s scrimmage
“As a coach, I don’t think you’re ever comfortable or completely satisfied with where you’re at in any phase of what you’re doing. You’re constantly trying to push and get better. Offensively, there have been days and portions of practice where you string things together and you feel really good about the efficiency, how you’re operating and 11 guys playing as one. Defensively, they’ve had those same moments during the course of it. I think as a coach, you get concerned when it’s one side of the football that is consistently dominating practices or scrimmages. There has been good back-and-forth. I think our guys on both sides of the line of scrimmage have a much better understanding of what we’re doing schematically (and) fundamentally with technique. We’ve continued to progress. Their practice habits have been really good. I think that’s what brings a sense of confidence to myself and our coaching staff, too. There’s a process that you have to go through. Our kids are straining and competing through that.”
NEXT: Josh Heupel recaps Vols’ scrimmage continued