Josh Heupel Just Revealed What Tennessee Needs To Fix Before Georgia Tech...

Josh Heupel has Tennessee preparing for its first road test of the 2026 season against Georgia Tech, and the Vols still have some important things to clean up. In his latest press conference, Heupel discussed Tennessee's first game under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the areas where the Vols' offense struggled against Furman, Faizon Brandon's preparation for his first road start and the challenge Georgia Tech presents. The early returns on Jim Knowles' defense were extremely encouraging. Heupel said Tennessee's first-team defense played extremely well and specifically praised the front seven. After an offseason of questions about how quickly the Vols could adjust to Knowles' system, Tennessee's first game provided plenty of positive signs. But Heupel also acknowledged that there is plenty of work to do. Tennessee's run game struggled early against Furman, and Heupel explained that some of those problems came from issues on the edge, tight-end fundamentals and communication against a defensive front the Vols weren't expecting. Those are the types of details Tennessee will need to clean up before facing Georgia Tech. Heupel also discussed the importance of depth along the offensive line and why Tennessee will need more than just its five starters throughout the season. The Vols will also have to deal with a physical Georgia Tech offense led by quarterback Alberto Mendoza and running back Justice Haynes. Heupel expects a physical game and emphasized that Tennessee will have to match Georgia Tech's physicality. At quarterback, Heupel explained what he wants to see from true freshman Faizon Brandon in his first road start. Preparation, communication, decision-making and protecting the football will be critical as Brandon faces a different environment at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Heupel also praised Arion Carter after the Tennessee linebacker was selected as the Vols' sole captain and discussed Carter's decision to donate $427 for every tackle he makes this season. What will Tennessee need to fix before Georgia Tech? How good can Jim Knowles' defense become? And what does Josh Heupel need to see from Faizon Brandon on the road? Watch the latest Josh Heupel press conference and subscribe to A to Z Sports Tennessee for Tennessee Volunteers football news, analysis, recruiting updates and game coverage throughout the 2026 season. #TennesseeVols #TennesseeFootball #JoshHeupel #JimKnowles #Vols Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: https://atozsports.com/games For more VOLS coverage: https://atozsports.com/nashville/volunteers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/volforlifetn Twitter: https://x.com/BigOrangePod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atozsportsvols TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atozsportsvols #tennesseevols #tennesseevolunteers #secfootball