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After DeSean Bishop was hobbled in the second quarter against Kennesaw State, Josh Heupel said it was not smart to put him back in at that point with conference play ahead. He expressed confidence in Daune Morris, Justin Baker and Hunter Barnes; Morris ran for 116 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. The supplied answer did not confirm Bishop's availability against Texas or provide a diagnosis.
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Heupel attributed Faizon Brandon's underneath throws and scrambles against Kennesaw State to the available coverage windows, praising him for taking what the defense allowed. Tennessee was close to a later deep completion to Mike, but the coach did not describe a standing restriction on downfield throws or announce a different quarterback plan.
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Before a full film review, Heupel's brief iPad assessment was that Tennessee's tight ends played solidly as receivers, run blockers and pass protectors. He highlighted Trent Thomas' run after the catch but was unsure whether a penalty occurred on that play or the next. He did not identify a newly settled tight-end order.
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Tennessee had three penalties in the 42-9 win, and Heupel thought it played smarter after the prior week's discipline problems. He still identified early defensive communication issues for correction before Texas, despite keeping Kennesaw State out of the end zone, and praised Arion Carter's activity and sack without settling on an exact tackle count.
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Cooper Ranvier made two field goals against Kennesaw State to reach 3-for-3 in 2026. Heupel credited his practice consistency and valued the game work for the entire kicking unit. Separately, he said Tennessee's first-quarter two-point attempt from the swinging-gate look was based on the defense's alignment rather than an unconditional pregame call.