** Heupel's first top-25 win came against Kentucky. He has four top-25 wins this season. Heupel said he doesn't think there was a psychological hurdle. It was about preparation and performance. Last year on the road at Kentucky was a big win. You saw the excitement from the Tennessee players after that game. It was the beginning of the journey. Helped them play well down the stretch last season.
** He's happy with how guys have put blinders on but they're only at the halfway point. Competing every day is going to be critical. They get back on grass today. There are things they can improve at in preparation. Accountability will be important as they keep going.
** Reporter points out most of the leaders on UT's team are pretty level headed. Heupel said guys have really grown since the staff arrived 20 months ago. Their ability to put in work and reset has improved. They weren't able to really reset when they arrived. Now they can. The leadership in your locker room is really important. Don't want those guys to be satisfied because in sports its all about your next performance.
** Last season to this season is a dramatic improvement from Hooker to Hyatt and guys on the defensive line. Guys have made the most of their opportunities.
** Asked about analytics in preparation Heupel said they talk about game plans, situations they could be in. Analytics is a part of the game but there's still a feel and ebb/flow of every football game that is important for Heupel to have a feel for.
** Chris Rodriguez is dynamic and is good with the ball in his hands. For Kentucky offensively they're unique in the tempo being so dramatic. It's a different style of football game. They understand they have limited opportunities. They know there will be fewer opportunities.
** UT's OL was named to the Joe Moore Award watch list. Heupel said they've had consistency. A couple of guys in and out but guys are playing their natural positions. There's been a year of growth, they're playing well fundamentally, and communicating.
** Lots of growth from Jerome Carvin as he has changed his body. That has helped his technique over the course of the game. He's one of the leaders in that room. They compete well and push each other in practice.
** QB Tayven Jackson will be unavailable this week.
** Calls Levis smart, understands the offense, good decision maker, can push it vertically and horizontally, accurate with the football, mature player. Everything runs through him. Does a lot of checks at the LOS with the run game. Puts them in the right position.
** UT has had some success executing short yard situations. It's a sense of pride for the offensive linemen.
** Thinks DL Elijah Simmons will be available.
** Says its a top 15 defense, top 10 scoring. Multiple in fronts and coverages. Have to have great communication with the pass communication and run game. QB has to see rotations. Have to win some one on ones on the outside.
** UT talks about winning the LOS every week. Knows that Kentucky is a physical team in style of play. Multiple personnel groupings getting into heavy sets. Run game and play action off that. Second in the league in big plays through the air. Can't let Kentucky be efficient on early downs and play ahead of the sticks.
** Asked why Tennessee has so many rivalry games, Heupel laughs and said different generations of UT fans feel differently about the biggest game. It's a neighboring state game this week. Fan base has lots of games circled.
