There’s an Easy Wrinkle Josh Heupel Can Add to the Tennessee Vols’ Offense That Would Instantly Provide a Huge Spark
The Tennessee Vols have had an electrifying offense under Josh Heupel, a coach known for his up-tempo, high-scoring schemes. However, as dynamic as the Vols’ offense can be, it’s clear that opponents have started to catch on. Defensive coordinators around the SEC have studied Heupel’s playbook and adjusted, creating tighter coverage and dialing up pressures to stymie the Vols’ attack. While the offensive scheme remains potent, there’s one simple adjustment Heupel can make that could take this offense to the next level: integrating a package of designed quarterback runs.
Why the Vols Need Quarterback Runs
The Vols have leaned heavily on explosive plays through the air and a steady ground game featuring running backs. However, one glaring omission in Heupel’s offense is the lack of a consistent threat from the quarterback as a runner. In an era where dual-threat quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe (Alabama) and Jayden Daniels (LSU) are terrorizing defenses, adding this wrinkle could instantly transform Tennessee’s offense into an unpredictable juggernaut.
Currently, Tennessee’s offense relies heavily on its tempo and spacing to create mismatches. But when the passing lanes close or defenses stack the box, the lack of a mobile quarterback option reduces Heupel’s offense to a predictable scheme. Imagine the impact if the quarterback became a legitimate rushing threat on designed plays like zone reads, QB draws, or even power runs.
The SEC Blueprint: Why It Works
SEC defenses are fast, physical, and well-coached. But one thing they consistently struggle with is containing mobile quarterbacks. The numbers don’t lie: LSU’s Jayden Daniels has decimated defenses this season, combining elite decision-making with his ability to take off and exploit gaps in coverage. Similarly, Alabama’s resurgence has been fueled by Milroe’s ability to extend plays and force defenses into impossible decisions.
If Heupel were to adapt this concept, Tennessee’s offense would not only create more first downs but also force defenses to account for an additional dimension. This strategy would open up running lanes for backs like Jaylen Wright and keep defenders hesitant in coverage, giving receivers more time to get open.
The Talent Is Already There
The most controversial part of this suggestion? Tennessee already has the personnel to make it work. Quarterback Joe Milton III is a physical freak—boasting a cannon for an arm and a frame (6’5”, 235 pounds) built for contact. Yet, despite his athleticism, the Vols have been reluctant to call his number in the run game.
Milton’s physicality would make him a nightmare to tackle on designed runs, especially in short-yardage or red-zone situations. And for fans looking ahead to 2024, incoming five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava has shown flashes of mobility in high school, making this adjustment a long-term investment.
What’s Holding Heupel Back?
So, why hasn’t Heupel already embraced this change? Critics argue that Heupel’s system is quarterback-friendly because it minimizes the physical toll on the position. Designed runs inherently expose quarterbacks to more hits, and injuries could derail a season in the ultra-competitive SEC.
But the risk may be overblown. Many successful programs have found ways to integrate quarterback runs without jeopardizing their signal-callers. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields both ran the ball effectively while remaining upright for the majority of their careers. With proper game planning and selective usage, Tennessee could reap the rewards without significant risk.
The Bottom Line
Josh Heupel’s offense is good, but it could be great. By adding designed quarterback runs, the Vols could exploit defensive weaknesses in ways they haven’t before. This one wrinkle could unlock new levels of productivity, making Tennessee not just a contender in the SEC but a legitimate national threat.
The ball is in Heupel’s court. The question is whether he’s ready to take that bold step. One thing’s for sure: fans would love to see it, and defenses would hate to face it.
