When it comes to the difference between UT’s offense from last season and this one, head coach Josh Heupel of the Tennessee Vols said something during Vol Calls on Wednesday night that is highly significant.

A caller questioned Heupel about Tennessee’s lack of aggression prior to halftime during the Vols’ 29-16 loss to the Florida Gators on Saturday.

With 2:22 remaining before halftime, Tennessee regained possession of the ball. By then, they were down 26-7. For the Vols to overcome their 19-point deficit, they needed to score before halftime.

However, the Vols adopted a more cautious strategy as opposed to attempting to rush the ball into the end zone. Tennessee’s last drive before halftime consisted of six plays. Out of those plays, only two were one-act pieces.

In two minutes, the Vols moved the ball 24 yards before punting. To close out the half, Florida then took a knee.

Tennessee would have made a hasty attempt to move the ball down the field a year ago, as they frequently did in circumstances like this.

Heupel clarified during Vol Calls, “I think you’re balancing the two-minute drive with how the first half had gone.” “The football has to be moved by you. Additionally, you want to ensure that you’re not forcing your defense to return to the field of play. At the end, we had an intermediate game called.

ball gets batted,” and we were in a fourth-down-and-seven situation. Hence, you’re attempting to strike a balance. The momentum of the first half had veered off course for a considerable amount of time, as can be seen. Knowing that we would also be receiving the ball at the start of the third quarter, we definitely wanted to try and score some points there. Wehad been doing rather well.

I refer to this year when I say that. Had also performed well the previous year, finishing the first half strong, scoring points, and attempting to slightly alter the game’s dynamics by regaining possession of the ball in the second half. simply weren’t able to pull that off.

Heupel noted that in their opening two games of the season, Tennessee has performed well in those circumstances. Before the half, the Vols defeated Austin Peay and Virginia with touchdowns. However, those were weaker opponents, and there was never much of a doubt in either game.

It was not the same against Florida. Before regaining possession of the ball to begin the second half, Tennessee desperately needed to score. The Vols’ best opportunity to reenter the game was at that point.

However, the Vols were happy to roll with cautious play calls and simply make it to halftime, in contrast to the year prior when Tennessee mounted a 99-yard drive just before halftime while falling to the Gators. Clearly, that isn’t the way to win SEC games. Nor is it the way Tennessee prevailed in games one year prior.

Heupel’s lack of confidence in this offense’s ability to perform well in those situations against SEC teams is evident.

In the upcoming weeks, Tennessee supporters should anticipate that to change (if it doesn’t, then some personnel changes at various positions will be necessary). However, it’s clear that Heupel’s trust hasn’t yet been fully restored due to this offense.

If the Vols want to reenter the SEC East race, they must find a quick solution for their offensive problems because a rematch with South Carolina on September 30 looms large. Tennessee’s hopes of winning the SEC and/or making it to the College Football Playoffs will probably be dashed if they suffer another defeat before hosting Alabama in October.