Josh Heupel's BIGGEST Problem At Tennessee Is Getting Worse...

Josh Heupel and Tennessee have a major problem to fix after the Vols' loss to Texas. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's late-game execution and explain why the problems that showed up during the final drive against Texas are part of a larger trend under Heupel. Tennessee had a golden opportunity against Texas. The Vols recovered an onside kick near midfield with enough time to potentially drive for a game-winning field goal or touchdown. Instead, Tennessee moved backward, committed penalties, struggled to protect Faizon Brandon and ultimately failed to give itself the best possible chance on the final play. Charlie and Zach break down the final drive play by play, including the offensive line problems, the penalties, the personnel decisions and Tennessee's decision not to spike the football before attempting a final Hail Mary. The guys also point out that this isn't an isolated incident. They revisit several other late-game and end-of-half situations from the Heupel era, including games against Alabama, Mississippi State, Oklahoma and Georgia. The 2022 Alabama game stands out as an example of Tennessee executing perfectly in a late-game situation, but the guys argue that the Vols have struggled far too often in similar moments since then. Is this a coaching problem? A play-calling problem? A personnel problem? Or some combination of all three? Charlie and Zach also discuss the larger offensive issues surrounding Tennessee. The defense has taken a massive step forward under Jim Knowles, but the offense has struggled to find the same edge and consistency. The guys question whether Heupel needs a stronger, more independent offensive voice alongside him and whether Joey Halzle is providing enough of a contrasting perspective. They also discuss the possibility of Tennessee eventually making a major change at offensive coordinator and why a coach with a different offensive philosophy could help Heupel the same way Jim Knowles has helped transform the defense. With Auburn coming up next, Tennessee has an important opportunity to respond. The Vols should have a favorable matchup against Auburn, but injuries along the offensive line could make the game much more complicated. Can Tennessee fix its late-game problems? Can the offense find its identity? And can the Vols respond after the Texas loss? Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break it all down on the latest Big Orange Podcast. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Tennessee for Tennessee Volunteers football news, analysis, recruiting updates, game reactions and Big Orange Podcast episodes throughout the 2026 season. 00:00 Tennessee's late-game problem 01:00 The Texas final drive 02:00 Why Tennessee couldn't get into field goal range 03:00 Josh Heupel's late-game history 04:00 The mistakes against Texas 05:00 The final Hail Mary 06:30 Why Tennessee should have spiked it 08:00 Tennessee keeps looking rushed 09:30 Heupel's bigger offensive problem 11:00 Does Tennessee need a new offensive voice? 12:30 Joey Halzle and the offense 14:00 Tennessee needs more of an edge 15:30 Auburn is the next opportunity 16:30 Injury concerns 17:30 Can Tennessee turn things around? Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: https://google.com/preferences/source?q=atozsports.com 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 #TennesseeFootball #Vols #JoshHeupel