⚡ CFB Dashboard

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel praised Faizon Brandon's decision-making and pocket escapes against Furman while identifying one inaccurate fourth-down throw caused by poor fundamentals and one quarterback-receiver read mismatch to correct.

Joakim Dodson is out for the season and Ian Duarte's quick return was only a hope, leaving explosive young slot receiver Tyreek King under greater preparation pressure without a confirmed Duarte timetable.

Heupel welcomed Arion Carter's return against Georgia Tech as a boost to defensive communication and leadership that also permits more linebacker rotation to keep the group fresh.

Heupel was broadly pleased with first-team tackling apart from perimeter positioning misses, but said the second and third units need a larger improvement before facing Georgia Tech's more comparable physical talent.

Heupel praised Daune Morris and Justin Baker for pad level and off-ball work, saying Baker's long run reflected sustained strong offseason and camp performance rather than an unexpected breakout.