Josh Heupel on what recruits will remember from Ole Miss game

First-year Tennessee coach Josh Heupel addressed the elephant in the room during his Monday press conference, talking about the media storm created by a group of Tennessee fans. He also addressed the resulting impact Saturday’s incident could have on recruiting, as the Volunteers make headlines for the wrong reason.

“They’re going to take away the 59 minutes, the slight delay, and then to see our student body rush down and fill the bottom part of the section with the remainder of our crowd to be amped up for the final minute of play,” Heupel assured reporters. “That’s the takeaway, and I know for some people the story is what happened. Our administration has made it clear that stance and what we want from Volunteer spirit. You know that I feel the same way. That’s a very few number, the passion and energy from our fanbase – I’ve been in a lot of competitive arenas as a player and as a coach – there was nothing better that I’ve been in.”

The 31-26 loss against Ole Miss brought the best and worst out of Neyland Stadium. During the first sellout in four years, fans provided an electric atmosphere for 59 minutes before a fourth-down call went against the Volunteers.

Despite the bad look, and the resulting media backlash, Josh Heupel remains confident recruits who were in attendance will leave Knoxville, Tennessee with a positive impression.

More on the Tennessee vs. Ole Miss incident

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin was struck on the elbow with a golf ball late in the fourth quarter as Tennessee fans hurled trash at the Rebels bench. The Volunteers had just turned it over on downs while trailing Ole Miss 31-26 with 54 seconds remaining.

Facing fourth-and-24 Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker hit Jacob Warren for a long pass that fell less than a yard short of the first down marker. Fans in Knoxville didn’t take kindly to the call and retaliated by throwing trash on the field.

The chaos resulted in a 20-minute delay as Tennessee cheerleaders headed to the locker room. Even after play resumed, there was still trash being thrown on the field.

Once play finally started back, the Volunteers defense forced a three-and-out to get the ball back with 27 seconds left to play. They got the ball down to the Rebels 21-yard line with time for one last play. Joe Milton, who entered late for an injured Hooker, looked around for an open receiver but after not finding anyone took off on a 13-yard scramble to end the game.