Josh Heupel not concerned about Kentucky being a 'trap game'

Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers are looking to keep the ball rolling on their historic start to the season and remain undefeated as they take on No. 19 Kentucky this weekend. Some are calling the Vol’s matchup on Saturday a trap game following their upset win over Alabama and domination of FCS Tennessee-Martin, which Heupel discussed Thursday.

“It doesn’t matter how you phrase it, the only one that matters as a competitor is the next one. Everybody talking about the last one, you’re only as good as your next performance, being able to refocus, regroup, and be consistent,” Heupel.

Tennessee’s has been quite consistent this year, which is likely why everybody can’t stop talking about their previous games. The Vols currently have the nation’s top offense from a yardage and points standpoint, averaging a whopping 571.7 yards per game and 50.1 points through seven games.

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The Vols seem to be clicking on all cylinders, and will definitely need to be this weekend against the two-loss Wildcats. Kentucky was ranked as high No. 8 in the country this season and fell to a ranked Ole Miss team in a three-point loss and a now-ranked South Carolina team in a game that star quarterback Will Levis missed due to an injury.

Taking the Wildcats lightly would definitely lend itself to Saturday being a trap game, as Heupel pulled back the curtain on what’s made his team so consistent and successful at avoiding any slip-ups so far this season.

“What’s been great about this team and the reason that one week at a time up until this point, we found a way to be the best team on the field is their preparation in the way they practice,” Heupel explained. “And at the end of the day you have to cut it loose on game day and play harder for longer than your opponent.”

Tennessee may be outlasting opponents at the end of ballgames, but have also been successful at starting fast and setting themselves up for success. The Volunteers have outscored their three SEC opponents 37-7 in the first quarter of ball games so far this season, with them getting an early jump on their opposition frequently.

Hopefully for the Vols, they can get another fast start on Saturday and not fall into the trap, as they take on Kentucky at home Saturday at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN.