Josh Heupal reflects on Tennessee’s 71-0 win over Kent State.

Tennessee made a historic return to Neyland in their Week 3 matchup against Kent State, scoring 71 points and breaking several program records in a dominant victory over the Golden Flashes. The Volunteers set new records for points in a quarter (37), points in a half (65), total points in a game (71) and total offensive yards (740).

Josh Heupal spoke to the media after Tennessee’s convincing win.

Opening Statement

“First of all, just our fans, great atmosphere coming back. Vol Walk was electric, packed. There were a lot of former players, former basketball players, DK (Dalton Knecht) back as well, around the building. So great to have so many former players back and be a part of it as well.”

“Just like a football team, we thought we got off to a fast start. There’s a couple things we need to clean up, but overall a good performance. Defensively, controlled the line of scrimmage, got off the field on third down. Offensively, being able to run the ball and create some big plays as well. Special teams was a solid performance as well.”

If he believes it is essential to play before the Vols enter the conference and whether that game will carry over

“Every week has its own identity. Man, I’d rather play well. I’d rather continue to be consistent in execution and get the fundamentals and technique. There were some things we did well tonight, there’s also some things we need to clean up and take the next step as a program.”

His thoughts on playing a lot of young guys and the play of freshman Mike Matthews

“We had a lot of young guys playing, some late in the game, some early. Mike is a guy that we’ve had a lot of confidence in during the spring league, early in training camp, got hurt. We were able to use our four-wide package now because he was healthy tonight, so it was good to have him out there, he made plays, he held his own in the flow of the game. I’m really excited about what he’s done, but a lot of our young guys are excited about what he’s done.”

On DeSean Bishop’s growth throughout the season

“Yeah, one, he comes into the meeting room, he comes to the practice field, he’s the same guy every day. He competes, he wants to grow, he challenges himself. He responds well to challenges from his coaches. I thought he did a really good job tonight pushing the line of scrimmage and getting to the third level and creating big plays.”

About Nico Iamaleava’s performance

“I thought he played really well. He used his feet when it was time to use his feet. There were a couple things early in the game, we had a drop early in the game over the middle of the field, he missed a little RPO, just fundamentally not in a great position, but overall he played extremely well. Good decision maker.”

His thoughts on the defense that hasn’t allowed a touchdown in 16 quarters

“Tim did a great job building it. Our staff, but also how our players understand what we’re doing, fundamentals, technique, playing with him. Really playing hard. The challenge was, regardless of who’s in the game, to play at the level we play and win the fourth quarter. Really proud of how we played in the second half.”

Whether there was any discussion after the first half about setting a running clock

“You would have to talk to our administration about that side of things. And I say that to say that it was something that was talked about, but ultimately didn’t happen.”

Whether he has ever been part of a match where he was leading 65-0 at half time

“I don’t know. In the end we played well early in the day. We started playing well in the second half and won.”

On Dylan Sampson’s success and consistency this season

“He’s got great vision, great pace. Presses the line of scrimmage. Makes blocks. He’s elusive in space and when you combine all those things, you’ve got a guy who can be efficient with the football in his hands and he would definitely give credit to the five offensive linemen, the tight ends and all the skill guys on the perimeter, they were a big part of it too.”

Don’t play on Lance Heard

“We held off a couple of guys tonight that could have gone for the duration of the season alone. We held them off tonight.”

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