You could tell what it meant to him.
After all the talk and Josh Heupel reflection, the former Sooner quarterback and offensive coordinator went back into Norman and came out with a huge win. His sixth-ranked Tennessee team took it to Oklahoma, controlling the entire game and running out the clock in the second half.
Heupel received a warm ovation during the pregame, as Oklahoma welcomed him back with a tribute on the jumbotron. He acknowledged the tribute, tapping his heart and waving to the crowd while his team went through warmups.
And then it was all business.
Tennessee capitalized on several Oklahoma mistakes in the first half, despite making plenty of their own. Nico Iamaleava hit a big post route to Dont’e Thornton to get things going, and the Vols never looked back. Once again it was the defense stealing the show, forcing five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold to the bench.
Things got slightly dicey late, but the Volunteers were able to snooze their way to a 25-15 win.
You could tell Heupel was holding back some emotions during his TV interview, and those emotions came out later in the locker room.
Had a little something extra. pic.twitter.com/5R09sSlFb9
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 22, 2024
“I appreciate … you all … having a little extra for me.”
Iamaleava ended things by giving Heupel the game ball.
It was a huge win for Tennessee and it likely puts them on a path to make the College Football Playoff. But just for a moment, it was all about Heupel. That had to be one of the most satisfying wins of his coaching career.