Josh Heupel and Tennessee have a major problem to fix after the Vols' loss to Texas.
Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's late-game execution and explain why the problems that showed up during the final drive against Texas are part of a larger trend under Heupel.
Tennessee had a golden opportunity against Texas.
The Vols recovered an onside kick near midfield with enough time to potentially drive for a game-winning field goal or touchdown. Instead, Tennessee moved backward, committed penalties, struggled to protect Faizon Brandon and ultimately failed to give itself the best possible chance on the final play.
Charlie and Zach break down the final drive play by play, including the offensive line problems, the penalties, the personnel decisions and Tennessee's decision not to spike the football before attempting a final Hail Mary.
The guys also point out that this isn't an isolated incident.
They revisit several other late-game and end-of-half situations from the Heupel era, including games against Alabama, Mississippi State, Oklahoma and Georgia.
The 2022 Alabama game stands out as an example of Tennessee executing perfectly in a late-game situation, but the guys argue that the Vols have struggled far too often in similar moments since then.
Is this a coaching problem? A play-calling problem? A personnel problem? Or some combination of all three?
Charlie and Zach also discuss the larger offensive issues surrounding Tennessee.
The defense has taken a massive step forward under Jim Knowles, but the offense has struggled to find the same edge and consistency. The guys question whether Heupel needs a stronger, more independent offensive voice alongside him and whether Joey Halzle is providing enough of a contrasting perspective.
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