Two things can be true. I support Josh. We’re well short of elite but it’s infinitely better than it was. Still, needing to play smarter, taking too many penalties - that hasn’t changed in his six years. Not sure if it will. That alone will continue to hold this program back.

Following the Ducks out here (not as a fan but an interested bystander) there are some parallels between them, Dan Lanning, the Vols and Josh Heupel this year. The Ducks are now done for the CFP. The Vols are still in play but… need to win out.

Robbed is one way to look at it. Lack of execution is another. There’s validity in both. But lack of discipline - that is always on a head coach. It begins with them. I’m a Heupel fan but he is not without culpability when his players consistently make mental mistakes.

You’re probably right. But I would ask the question nonetheless.

During Covid when we eventually had limited games, that’s how it was done. And sometimes for a game, when a school or championship can’t accommodate everyone, they’ll have that option. I’ve sat in a few of those.

LOL! I have my credential from KMJ. If I came in often I’d follow the process to get credentialed at Neyland. As it is, coming in for just one game per year, I like being among the 101,915 and yelling with everyone else!

And there have been times I mischaracterized a coach’s thoughts on my Monday program. And he’d call in to say I got it wrong. Great! I have tremendous respect for that and always welcome it. I try to get it right but hey, I’m hardly infallible.

Very true. Maybe I’m too idealistic but speaking for myself, I don’t have hidden agendas. I don’t do subtext. I’m specific. I’m clear. This business is about integrity (or should be), trust and relationships. A lot of that has eroded from some folks on my side. But not all. Some coaches are amazing in pressers. Angry, funny, thoughtful… but endlessly direct and clear. Others are politicians. You’re getting “stuff” from the get-go.

Probably not. And that would be on them. I’d be fine. Athletic departmwnts should encourage honest, respectful dialogue. When I ask that question it’s for the people I represent: My listeners and my station. It’s not a “gotcha.” It’s trying to get clarity. Nothing more.

Boom. Spot-on, RV.

Appreciate that RV. Back at you. And you know I damn well would ask him exactly that.

I’ve said this before and will offer it again. When Josh Heupel says in a presser some version of, “We as coaches need to get better” I’d like to ask him, “Coach what, specifically, do you mean you and your staff need to get better on because with as many things as your teams do right, I’ve seen the same mistakes - or lack of discipline - in many Tennessee games for six years.” I’ve asked that question, or versions of it, in other pressers I’ve been at when a coach has said that. Never disrespectfully! Just genuinely wanting to hear some specificity that allows us a better look into what he’s thinking.

I’m exhausted trying.

You’re not wrong.

Definitely not a Heupel problem there. Pure lack of execution. The penalties. Geezus.

Agreed, Jay.

Agree across the board, Larry. This should’ve been a 2–3 TD win. Easily.

The most frustrating part of the 4th and 1 out of the timeout was why it was called in the first place: To get everybody on the same page, know their assignments, and then execute. Do that, it seals the win. Instead, disaster. And the door got opened.

Beyond frustrating beating down Alabama but not being able to then go on the road and take out a team begging to be beaten. Pick a reason it happened. I’m not gonna deny any of them. The 4th and 1 out of a timeout to ice the game, busted play… Brutal. Game would have been over.