Heupel’s Game‑Day Blueprint: Tennessee Takes on South Carolina

On Thursday night the Tennessee Volunteers’ head coach, Josh Heupel, hopped on the Mike Keith Show to map out what his squad hopes to accomplish Saturday in Columbia. After a 26‑10 victory over Alabama, the Vols can’t afford to let the high tide recede, especially with a top‑10 ranking now on the line.

Heupel’s first order of business was to talk about South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. “He’s got the ability to make plays in the passing game. He’s got a ton of experience, and he’s seen a lot of different looks,” Heupel said, before adding a candid note: “His feet are a major concern. You don’t want him to sit back in the pocket for too long.” He went on to explain that pressure must be clean and decisive – “you’ve got to get him down,” he warned, noting the quarterback’s size and surprising mobility when he decides to run.

The coach also compared Sellers to the previous three QBs the Vols have faced, suggesting the Gamecocks’ offense is “playing its best football here the last week.” He admitted the extra preparation time – a bye week for South Carolina – gave the Gamecocks a physical edge, and the challenge for Tennessee is simply to out‑prepare them.

When it comes to the Gamecocks’ defensive scheme, Heupel praised the mix of match coverage on the second and third levels. “Their safeties stay close to the box, fitting it up and tackling extremely well,” he explained. The secondary, he noted, isn’t just about scheme – it’s also about having the right personnel who can flip the script in the passing game.

Heupel didn’t shy away from name‑dropping his own stars. Edge rusher Dylan Stewart, he said, is “as good of an edge rusher as there is in this league,” and you’ve got to know where he’s going on every third‑down play. As for receiver Braylon Staley, Heupel traced his growth back to his freshman year, highlighting a “massive jump” in maturity and a selfless attitude that makes him a true leader on the field.

The conversation shifted to the transfer additions that have bolstered the Vols this season. Donovan Haslam, Heupel noted, has added muscle and trimmed body fat, translating into “more comfort” with the offensive system. Meanwhile, Dejuan Lane, a former Penn State player, has turned his offseason work with strength coach Derek Owings into “dynamic playmaking” that continues to evolve.

Even with the talent, Heupel stressed that improvement is still needed. “Holistically, but in particular, special teams and offensively, we have to play smarter,” he said, emphasizing communication before the snap and fundamental technique throughout. He reminded listeners that last week’s “tackling as well as we have” paid dividends, and the same relentless effort must continue.

In short, Heupel’s message was clear: Tennessee will lean on its ground game – which has historically been a magic 200‑yard, 37‑2 formula under his tenure – while staying disciplined against a balanced Gamecocks attack. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the Volunteers are eager to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.