Game Week Has Arrived for #7 Vols as They Prep for CFP First-Round Battle at #6 Buckeyes

FootballDecember 16, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Following two open weeks to get healthy and prep for its highly-anticipated showdown at No. 6 Ohio State this Saturday night in Columbus, game week has finally arrived for No. 7 Tennessee as it eagerly awaits its trip to Ohio Stadium to face off against one of the nation’s premier teams in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

“Great opportunity this week, playing a big game against a great opponent,” head coach Josh Heupel said to open his Monday press conference. “A lot of work has gone on to get to this point. The guys started back in January, staff and players together. They’ve earned the right to play in a game like this.”

Junior running back Dylan Sampson echoed his head coach’s thoughts when asked about the importance of getting Tennessee to the CFP and playing in such a big game at this point in the season.

“This is everything we worked for in the offseason,” the 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year said. “This was what we expected. This is what we grinded for and it doesn’t stop now.”

The Volunteers know a stiff challenge awaits them on Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET in Columbus when they square off against a stout Ohio State team that features one of the most talented rosters in college football.

“You look at Ohio State, and defensively they lead almost every category in the country,” Heupel said. “Offensively, they have elite players on that side of the ball. They tie it together well with special teams. So, it is a huge challenge for us, but one we are really excited about. Preparation has been good. We have to continue that this week and get ready to go play our best football when we get up to Columbus.”

As Tennessee continues its reemergence as a college football power under Heupel, taking each step forward as a program has been a major focus throughout his tenure, and now, the opportunity to take the next big step is right in front of the Vols as they prepare for their first ever playoff game this weekend.

“It happens because of your staff and your players all buying in to a vision, competing towards that every single day,” Heupel said. “We’ve continued to take steps. Really proud of everybody that’s involved in that, but this is the next step that we had to take as a program.

“It’s a great opportunity, but now it’s about, ‘what are you going to do with the opportunity?’ It starts long before you get to kickoff. It’s preparation and practice the right way to give yourself a chance to go play elite football.”

Head Coach Josh Heupel

Opening statement…
“Great opportunity this week, playing a big game against a great opponent. A lot of work has gone on to get to this point. The guys started back in January, staff and players together. They’ve earned the right to play in a game like this. A great opponent, great venue. You look at Ohio State, and defensively they lead almost every category in the country. Offensively, they have elite players on that side of the ball. They tie it together well with special teams. So, it is a huge challenge for us, but one we are really excited about. Preparation has been good. We have to continue that this week and get ready to go play our best football when we get up to Columbus. (It is) a great opportunity. I hope we see a bunch of our fans showing up as well.”

On how important is for the program to be playing such a meaningful game this time of year…
“Absolutely. One of the goals for our program is to earn the right to get into this tournament. I am proud of what our guys have done in the first week of this preparation. We have gotten a lot of young-guy work. We have been intentional with that throughout the course of the season as well and have tried to continue that as we have shifted our focus to Ohio State. All the work and energy that you put into it, this is where you want to be.”

On Dylan Sampson trusting in the vision he had before he had anything to point to, and what it means to be in the College Football Playoff…
“Absolutely. (It is) the next step for us as a program. Two years ago, I think we finished sixth in the country. There are a lot of guys that have been a part of building this. You look at the senior class; a guy like Dylan (Sampson) that bought into the vision before there was tangible proof on the field of who we are, what we are about and how we are going to go play together. It only happens because of the guys inside that locker room. It’s a room filled with guys that care about the guys around them. They are elite competitors. (I am) really proud of what they’ve done again to restamp this program.”

On what it is like to compete for championships after reestablishing the program…
“Again, it happens because of your staff and your players all buying in to a vision, competing towards that every single day. We’ve continued to take steps. Really proud of everybody that’s involved in that, but this is the next step that we had to take as a program. It’s a great opportunity, but now it’s about, ‘What are you going to do with the opportunity?’ It starts long before you get to kickoff. It’s preparation and practice the right way to give yourself a chance to go play elite football.”

On if he feels like his roster is set for Saturday, as well as the timing of the football calendar in December…
“Yes. Obviously, the calendar, the way that it is set up, it’s unique. This might be the only sport that operates this way. The transfer portal, free agency, whatever you want to call it, is right in the middle of your postseason play. We do feel like the roster is set. This group is ready to go compete and ready to prepare the right way. They have had really good energy and focus. Last week as we knew who our opponent was going to be, we could start our preparation and had great energy today as well.”

On if Tennessee fans being enthusiastic and buying tickets for the game in Columbus is surprising…
“Not with this fanbase. It’s a nice short drive up there. Christmas is right around the corner. It’s a great Christmas present.”

On the weather forecast this weekend in Columbus…
“It’s a June day in South Dakota. It’s going to be great football weather. A couple of weeks ago, we played in 30-degree weather. We practice in the morning and feel a chill: as cold as it will be around this area. At the end of the day, you get between the white lines and weather doesn’t matter; the temperature doesn’t. We’ll be ready to go play, and it will be a lot of fun.”

On the narrative that Tennessee is just happy to be in the College Football Playoff…
“If you’re just happy to be there, it’s going to be a quick cup of coffee. The mindset of this team is to get ready to go play our best football. We understand the opponent that we’re playing; they have an elite roster, really good coaches, prestigious program. We have to go play good football. It doesn’t take anything extraordinary at the same time. It starts with doing the ordinary things at a really high level consistently for 60 minutes. Looking forward to continuing our prep to get ready to go play.”

On getting a few weeks of rest after having a banged up roster and the importance of being more physical than Ohio State on Saturday…
“That typically happens in this league as you go through all of those games. Every football team in this league is going to be banged up. Having a couple of extra weeks to heal up, I feel like we’ll have everybody ready to roll when we get up there. The line of scrimmage is going to be important in this one; it always is in big football games. We have to be able to run the football on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, you have to control the line of scrimmage; it’s your first and second level and your safeties in particular. The line of scrimmage will matter. We want to get people into predictable third downs and then be able to rush the passer and get off the field.”

On if the team believes in the mindset of the program more this year compared to two years ago…
“I don’t think anybody in the locker room had whiplash two years ago. We understand what big games look like, what they feel like, the type of environments that we are going to play in. Certainly understand playing great opponents. The preparation, they have a great understanding of and the competitive makeup that you have to have when you get to gameday. There are going to be ups and downs, back and forth in these types of games and staying consistent, having an elite competitive makeup and mindset is really important.”

On what he has learned about Nico Iamaleava in his first season as a starter…
“I think his ability to reset and go play the next play, next drive, next half, and his ability to continue to grow and compete throughout the course of the football game. As a young quarterback, that’s really hard to do. He’s done a really good job of that.”

On having newcomers from their signing class in the building with the team…
“Got a chance to get on the field with them yesterday and today. It’s a really good group with athletic traits. The way they’ve handled themselves getting to campus for the first time, they’ve done a really nice job. Really excited about what we’ve seen from those guys so far. It’s been a lot of fun having that influx of guys and talent into our roster here as we get an opportunity to experience postseason play.”

On how the defensive backs will pair up against Ohio State’s receivers…
“That will be a big part of it. We’ve got to not give up a bunch of big, explosive plays where they create momentum, field position, and the ability to score points. It does start with the line of scrimmage for us, but we do have to do a great job playing disciplined and matching people out playing with fundamentals and technique, and then going and making plays. There are going to be one-on-one situations. We’ve got to win the lion’s share of those.”

On what he’s seen from Ohio State’s units that make them effective in each one…
“Defensively, within the scope of the structure that they’re playing they’ve got great discipline. Their eyes are in the right spot. They match things out. Their front seven make it tough to run the football. Then offensively, for them, they do a really good job in those situations. Dynamic play makers on the outside so when you load the box, they’ve got guys that have the opportunity to go win in one-on-ones. When you don’t, they’re efficient in running the football. Running backs are elite. So, for us defensively, we’ve got to do a great job. If you can hold them to field goals, it changes the way the games played offensively. We’ve got to find a way to seven on them.”

On the importance making the college football playoff is to recruiting…
“You’re not talking about it, you’re right in the midst of it. They’re part of the preparation. They’re learning what it looks like to be a college football player at this level, what to do inside of our building, and you’re doing it while preparing for a big game. So, there’s not a better opportunity to understand what it’s going to take to play at the highest level.”

On if the two weeks off could cause wrinkles for either team…
“We have nothing new defensively, offensively or special teams. We will be exactly what we’ve done.”

On how much more intense this week is compared to where the team was a year ago…
“At the end of the day, you’re always going to prepare the way that you need to put your kids in the best position. You’re never going to take away from that. This job, college football in general, is dramatically different than it was two, four, six, eight years ago. The way the calendar is, there’s a lot of things that you’re juggling all at one time. You’ve got to find a way to navigate that. That’s why the people inside this building that help you are integral to your success. On the recruiting side of it, what coaches say, it’s a piece of the puzzle but it’s not the biggest piece. When they get here, understanding the culture, what it looks like to be inside the building. Your players are your greatest attribute when it comes to recruiting.

On if he thinks the team is extra excited about being able to play in a venue they wouldn’t usually get to during the regular season…
“Absolutely, one of the goals you have is to get into postseason play; you’re in the tournament, nonstop, preparing, and getting ready to go play your best football. You can see the focus in the guys and, at the same time, not make it bigger than it is. This means it’s just 11 on 11. We’re playing a great opponent, a great venue, but it comes down to doing the ordinary things.”

On how ready Braylon Staley is if his name is to be called on during the game…
“Braylon [Staley] has done a great job. Young player, just has continued to grow through the winter, through the spring, through the summer. More opportunities chose to play in the four, kept the red shirt, but he is more than ready to go and play in this one.”

On what Dylan Sampson’s approach to the game this year has meant for this offense both on and off the field…
“Dylan is super consistent in how he approaches everything inside our building. That’s meeting room, weight room, on the practice field. Dynamic Leader for us as a program. Then, as a player, just his growth since he has gotten here. What has he done to prepare himself to have the load he has carried this year. If you watch the tape, he has done a great job creating big plays, explosive plays, and making people miss. He does a great job of understanding that when it’s not clean, getting his pads down and going plus two and the end of the runs. He plays great without the ball in his hands and is a huge part of our success as a football team.”

On his experience with Dillon Gabriel, and what has enabled him to excel at Oregon …
“I think one of the great traits of Dillon is he is extremely grounded in who he is. He has a great family, but because of that he’s not worried about tomorrow and he’s not worried about what came before him. He is truly in the present. He’s that way inside the building. He’s an elite competitor, and that makeup has allowed him, no matter where he is at, to be able to garner respect from the guys. Once you gain that, everybody sees what type of competitor and how he plays. He is a dynamic playmaker. One of the best I have been around.

On what he has seen from Nico Iamaleava being a positive face both on and off the field…
“As a young player, everybody wants the quarterback to be the leader immediately. Smart young quarterbacks understand that there’s a growth and evolution to it. Nico has been great in one-on-one situations from the time he got here. Communicating with wideouts. He grew into communicating and challenging the five guys in front of him, but now you can feel, as he started to play, you can feel his presence in everything that we are doing every single day. Nico has got a great understanding of you have to be with the guys. You are not one of the guys when you are the quarterback, but you have to be with the guys. You see him at the hotel Friday nights, he’s eating dinner with the offensive lineman, and he’s with the defensive lineman. He does a great job of kind of getting out of his quarterback group or just the offensive unit and developing relationships with those guys. That’s a big part of leadership. When those guys have a relationship with you and they understand you care about them, it allows you to lead them.”

Sophomore LB Arion Carter

On what he sees from the Ohio State running game and the difference between their two primary running backs…
“I feel like those two play complementary football together. Honestly, when you look at those two and the backfield as whole, you have a really special group. You have a group that is very explosive, very fast, very twitchy and that’s able make things happen from nothing sometimes. I really have a lot of respect for that group as a whole. You have two, I assume, All-Big Ten and All-American type running backs and future first and second round draft picks. I feel like you really have to study that group and really have a lot of respect for them and attack at full speed when going at that group, especially along with a very, very good O-line they have.”

On the respect for Ohio State’s skill players and how they compare to players in the SEC…
“They’re as good as anybody in the SEC and I feel like they’re as good as anybody in the country. They have a really good football team in all three phases of the game, including offense in general. I feel like they have a really good quarterback who is able to quarterback the offense at a very high level and is able to make checks and calls. You have a really good offensive receiving corps in general that’s a really strong suit for them. As a whole, the team is just really, really good. You can’t take anything away from them, you respect them like any other opponent going into it and we have to go out there and put our best foot forward at the end of the day.”

On where he’s grown this season and if he’s exceeded expectations for himself…
“There’s always room for improvement at the end of the day. As far as what I’ve seen just doing self-evaluation, I feel like my communication on the field has gotten really good. I feel like being able to just quarterback the defense, getting everybody lined up and set and make checks and calls and be able to stay poised and have the IQ and the self-awareness on the field to see different things and different things for offenses and be able to pick up on stuff that’s able to win the little margins in a ball games has been my biggest thing. And, just really being able to analyze offenses.”

On current UT linebackers coach William Inge having coached in the playoff and national championship game last year…
“It’s always great having coaches who have been there, done that, been in the situation and made it that far. A lot of teams and a lot of coaches haven’t gone that far. To have his experience has been really great because you know that he knows what it takes to get to that point. He knows what it takes to win ball games. He knows what it takes to play championship-level football. It’s been great having him in the room.”

Senior TE Miles Kitselman

On what the main focus has been for the team the last few weeks getting ready for Ohio State…
“The main focus the past couple of weeks is getting our team healed up, getting our bodies right. That has been vital for us. Defensively, you know they are a great defense, super sound. They have guys up front that have played together for a while now. They are a very sound defense, so we are just going to have to go out there and execute and be on top of our stuff.”

On what his perception of Tennessee was before he came and how it has changed since he has been in Knoxville…
“I mean, I knew you guys had a passionate fan base. I didn’t really know much about this program as far as the details of it. But now that I’ve been here, you guys are very welcoming of new people, and coach Heupel has done a great job here and instilling a family feeling here, and it’s been great.”

On if it feels any different going into this playoff game compared to others he has been in during his time at Alabama…
“No, honestly, I think it’s great. With a four-team playoff, you saw a ton of teams that are very talented and don’t get an opportunity to be in the playoffs. So, you know a 12-team playoff, I think is great for college football. I’m just blessed that we have the opportunity to do it. Doesn’t really feel any different. It’s just another week you have to get ready to play a great game.”

Sophomore DB Jermod McCoy

On if there is too much preparation you can do as a player for a game…
“I don’t think there is too much. The more you get, the better it is for you. So, the more we find, it just helps us at the end of the day.”

On what he thinks the defense has done to play so well this season…
“Our connection. We try to communicate with each other on the field. It helps us knowing what is going to come, talking pre-snap and post-snap, just knowing things like that.”

On what it feels like to get ready for a first-round playoff game…
“It’s just what you dream of. It’s what everybody wants to play in. I’m just looking forward to the moment and looking forward to Saturday.”

Junior RB Dylan Sampson

On the importance of playing such a meaningful game this time of year…
“This is everything we worked for in the offseason. This was what we expected. This is what we grinded for and it doesn’t stop now. This wasn’t the goal to just get to this game but we got to attack it the right way.”

On how vital Miles Kitselman has been as a blocker setting up his big runs…
“Him and all the tight ends who have been able to get into the game, it doesn’t go unnoticed by us, but many people don’t realize that they’re like the key cornerstone to make the run game go. They’re like the athletic, extra offensive linemen. We do a lot of stuff with them, and they are a big part of our offense. So, I’m glad he (Miles Kitselman) was able to join our team. He is a great leader and a great guy, as well as Holden (Staes), too. Them three, (including) Ethan Davis, they all do a great job just helping us.”

On what he sees out of Ohio State’s run defense…
“Very sound. You can tell they are a really coachable defense. They are going to be in their spots. They are going to be in their gaps. Safeties play an important part in the run game, they’re active, fly to the ball. It’s a high-caliber defense and the D-line does a good job just pressing the point and holding the gaps. If you watch the film, there are moments, depending on different teams, where there are opportunities to make plays, but you have to make them. It’s going to be a physical game.”