Josh Heupel started his press conference with immediate praise for Ohio State.
“We're excited about being in the playoff and obviously playing a great program that’s had a ton of success in recent history but throughout their program history and what they’ve done on the field this year," the fourth-year Tennessee head coach said. "We're xcited that we get the opportunity to play an elite program like that. As we get ready here, we understand what it’s gonna take to go on the road and play really good football against a great football team.”
Heupel's press conference, which came three hours after the CFP committee ranked the Volunteers No. 9 in the 12-team field and paired them with No. 8 seed Ohio State in the first round, continued with almost a dozen questions about the historic matchup in Columbus.
Among the topics Heupel discussed, he said Ohio State has a roster "full of elite players," that Tennessee will be "ready to handle" the cold weather in Columbus and that the Volunteers must win the battle at the line of scrimmage to beat the Buckeyes.
Here's a recap of Heupel's press conference on Sunday:
On what stands out about Ohio State
“Last week, we were able to get on the grass and have a couple of practices, being intentional with our young guys as we felt there were still multiple scenarios at play. Today, we kind of start the film study of our opponent. Our guys are in the building here getting some treatment and rehab today, but we’ll move forward tomorrow with (Ohio State)."
"This is a roster that’s full of elite players. Coached extremely well. They’re smart. They’re tough. They’re physical on both sides of the line of scrimmage. They do a great job on special teams, too. For us, we need to understand the quality of the opponent we’re getting ready to play. We’re gonna have to play at our best, and we’re gonna need a couple of weeks of great preparation to give ourselves a chance to do that in Columbus.”– Josh Heupel on what stands out about Ohio State
On the weather in Columbus
“Not sure what the temperature will be like up there, but I know it won’t be sunny and 85 (degrees). We played in 30-degree weather a week ago. For us, a lot of our practices are in the morning. We’re outside. It will be similar temperatures to what you’re gonna get up there."
“Our guys have be able to handle whatever comes at them – that’s weather, that’s outside distractions, that’s us getting ready to be our best, 11-on-11, between the white lines. We’ll be ready to handle that and operate at a high level.”– Josh Heupel on Tennessee preparing for cold weather in Columbus, handling distractions
On Tennessee preparing for the CFP
“We play in a great conference and play elite programs throughout the course of the season. Understanding that, again, this is a great opportunity. When you get into the postseason, and you’re getting into a game like this, you got to do the ordinary things at a really high level. You have to do things consistently for four quarters. It’s not about some magical play that’s gonna be the difference in the football game. It’s about the fundamentals, technique, eye discipline and playing within the structure of what you’re doing in all three phases of the game.
"It’s all about the preparation and leadup. Those are the same messages our guys hear throughout the season. It’s been what this group has done. They’ve earned the right to play in a game like this. Now, it’s about our preparation and making sure we’re at our best when we get there.”– Josh Heupel on the message he'll send to his players
On Tennessee's mindset entering the CFP
“Well, it’s business as usual as far as, man, you have to be completely invested in your preparation. That’s on the practice field. That’s in the meeting room. You have to take care of your body at an elite level to make sure you’re at your best personally before kickoff. It is a different season. You have to play yourself into this."
“Now, it’s about taking advantage of the opportunity that we have. The only thing that matters is Saturday night inside the stadium in Columbus, Ohio. We’ve played in big games. We have to be ready for everything we will face on that Saturday night. It’s your preparation that takes you to that moment.”– Josh Heupel on the opportunity ahead for Tennessee
On Will Howard, Ohio State’s offense
“We’ll get into the tape today, but looking at them offensively, they’ve got explosive playmakers on the perimeter; big, strong, thick, physical offense linemen; great skill at the running back position."
In a game like this, the line of scrimmage matters. You have to do a great job against the run. We’re gonna have to defend their explosive playmakers out on the perimeter. We have to do a great job of bottling the quarterback up.”– Josh Heupel on Tennessee matching up with Ohio State
On Ryan Day
“Have not had an opportunity to cross paths with him very much. Great respect for what he’s done in his coaching career and what he’s done there at Ohio State. The success that they’ve had year in and year out, I have a great appreciation for how he’s done it and what’s he accomplished there.”
