Until then, the criticism of Heupel’s offensive strategy will persist, as the expectations for Tennessee continue to be elevated.
Josh Heupel’s high-octane offensive system has been a hallmark of his tenure
as the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, but as the 2023 and 2024
seasons have unfolded, some former players and critics have raised concerns
about the lack of explosiveness in the offense. While Heupel’s fast-paced,
spread system has been lauded for its ability to put up points quickly, a former
Tennessee player recently criticized the offense, arguing that it has failed to
live up to its potential in recent years.
The critique comes at a time when Tennessee fans are eagerly watching their
team, hoping for a return to SEC prominence after a few years of solid but
inconsistent performances. While the Vols have managed to remain
competitive under Heupel, the criticisms regarding the offense highlight some
of the growing frustrations within the fanbase and the media.
The High Expectations of Heupel’s Offense
When Josh Heupel was hired as Tennessee’s head coach in 2021, one of the
main reasons for excitement was his offensive pedigree. Known for his success
as the offensive coordinator at UCF, Heupel quickly established a reputation
for running an aggressive, up-tempo offense that thrived on explosive plays
and quick scoring drives. The system appeared to be a perfect fit for the
Volunteers, and many believed it would elevate Tennessee back to national
relevance.
In Heupel’s first season, the Vols showed flashes of brilliance. Quarterback
Hendon Hooker emerged as one of the most dynamic players in college
football, and the offense consistently put up big numbers. Tennessee’s offense
was characterized by deep passes, up-tempo playcalling, and a high number of
scoring opportunities, which had fans buzzing about the team’s future.
However, as the 2023 and 2024 seasons have unfolded, some of the initial
excitement surrounding Heupel’s offense has waned. While the Vols have
remained competitive in the SEC, their offense has struggled to maintain the
same explosive edge it showed in Heupel’s first year. Critics point to a lack of
consistent big plays and an over-reliance on short, safe passes that have failed
to stretch opposing defenses.
The Criticism: Lack of Explosiveness and Adaptability
The most vocal critic of Heupel’s offense has been a former Tennessee player,
who spoke candidly about the system’s stagnation. According to this former
Vols player, the offense has not evolved enough since its initial success in 2021
and has become too predictable. “The offense isn’t nearly as explosive as it was
in Heupel’s first season,” the former player said. “It’s gotten stagnant. Teams
are adjusting to the scheme, and Tennessee hasn’t adapted well enough to
keep defenses guessing.”
One of the key issues highlighted is the Vols’ inability to consistently hit
explosive plays downfield. While the offense still averages a respectable
number of yards per game, it has struggled to generate the kind of quick-strike
touchdowns that made it so dangerous in Heupel’s early years. Quarterback
Joe Milton III, who took over as the starting quarterback in 2023, has shown
flashes of his talent but has also been inconsistent with his deep ball accuracy.
This inconsistency has led to frustration, especially from fans who are
accustomed to the explosive, high-flying offense that Heupel initially brought
to Tennessee.
Another criticism is the lack of adaptation within the scheme. Teams across
the SEC have had time to study and adjust to Heupel’s offensive tendencies,
and many have been able to neutralize some of the Vols’ strengths. “You can
only go so far with speed and tempo,” the former player continued. “The
offense needs to evolve. It’s clear that Heupel hasn’t made the necessary
adjustments to keep up with what defenses are doing to stop them.”
The Struggle for Consistency
In addition to the lack of explosiveness, Tennessee’s offense has struggled with
consistency in 2023 and 2024. In several games, the Vols have shown flashes
of brilliance but have been unable to sustain drives, resulting in frustrating
punts or turnovers. The lack of a consistent running game has also been a
contributing factor. While running back Jaylen Wright has shown promise,
Tennessee has struggled to establish a ground game that can complement its
passing attack and keep opposing defenses off balance.
This lack of balance has been particularly evident in games where Tennessee
has faced more talented SEC defenses. In these contests, the Vols have found it
difficult to execute long drives, often relying too much on quick passes and
deep shots downfield that haven’t been as successful as they were in the past.
What’s Next for Heupel and the Vols?
Despite the criticism, it’s important to recognize that Josh Heupel has still
managed to lead Tennessee to competitive seasons in the SEC. The team has
been on the cusp of greatness, but the offense has yet to fully meet its
potential. With the 2024 season still ongoing, the question remains whether
Heupel can adjust his offensive philosophy to reignite the explosive
playmaking that made his system so effective in the first place.
For now, Tennessee fans are hopeful that Heupel will be able to address the
concerns about the offense. Whether it’s through adjustments to the
playcalling, better quarterback play, or improved execution across the board,
the Vols will need to find a way to rediscover their offensive firepower if they
are to truly compete for an SEC title in the years to come. Until then, the
criticism of Heupel’s offense will continue to linger, as expectations for
Tennessee remain high.
