There's one criticism of Josh Heupel from Tennessee's loss to Oklahoma that doesn't make sense
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Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Vols have received plenty of criticism from fans and media after the program’s 33-27 home loss to the Oklahoma Sooners this past weekend.
Much of that criticism — such as the way Tennessee has operated in two minute situations — has been fair.
Not all of the criticism, though, makes sense.
Josh Heupel is catching heat for his decision to decline a penalty in the first half against Oklahoma
In the second quarter, with the Vols leading 10-7, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was sacked for a two-yard loss to bring up 4th-and-9.
The Sooners were called for holding on the play, which left Heupel with a decision. He could accept the penalty and Oklahoma could run a play on third-and-17, or he could decline the penalty and force the Sooners to attempt a 55 yard field goal.
Heupel chose to decline the penalty.
Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell then connected on a 55 yard field goal to tie the game at 10.
I’ve seen quite a few folks — fans and media — suggest on social media that Heupel should’ve declined the penalty to push the Sooners out of field goal range. I understand the logic behind that thought, but I think Heupel made a good call. Tennessee has struggled in third-and-long situations this season. Maybe Oklahoma picks up the first down if they get another down (the Vols gave up a first down on third-and-16 later in the game), or maybe they pick up 15 yards to make the field goal a little closer.
I just can’t blame Heupel for choosing to make a kick team a 55 yard field goal. If it goes in, you just have to tip your cap and move on to the next play. In most games, that kick is probably missed. Plus, at that point in the game, Oklahoma’s offense wasn’t moving the ball well (they had punted twice and their only points came on a defensive score), so Heupel likely felt confident that Tennessee’s offense could withstand the three points if the kick was made.
There are plenty of areas where Heupel and the Vols need to improve. But no one bats 1.000 when it comes to in-game decisions — that’s just the reality of competitive sports. Sometimes you can make a good decision and it doesn’t work out in your favor. And I think that’s what happened to Heupel on Saturday night when he chose to decline the holding penalty.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports Tennessee Vols as There’s one criticism of Josh Heupel from Tennessee’s loss to Oklahoma that doesn’t make sense.
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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Nashville section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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