⚡ CFB Dashboard

With Tennessee's Joakim Dodson out for the remainder of the season after a kickoff-return injury, Josh Heupel identified Tyreek King as the first player who needs to step up and emphasized greater urgency in his development.

Heupel said Tennessee's offensive line has communication issues across all five positions with a new center, including missed blocking assignments against an unexpected Furman front, and left the Week 2 rotation dependent on practice.

Heupel described Tennessee's starting defense as assignment-sound and its front seven as particularly effective in Jim Knowles' debut against Furman, while noting that the unit still has areas to improve.

Heupel praised Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza's quick progression through his reads, passing accuracy and ability to extend plays either through the air or by gaining yards on the ground.

Heupel characterized Georgia Tech's running-back room as exceptionally deep and physical downhill, singling out Justice Haynes for his pad level, vision and dynamic ability.