What Does Tennessee Have To Say About The Fair-Catch Call?

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel discussed the fair-catch call against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

One crucial turning point against Alabama occurred in the third quarter. The officials ruled that a Tennessee player signaled for a fair catch and placed the ball on the 4-yard line, forcing the Vols to start backed up against their own end zone.

They quickly went three-and-out, and Alabama scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession. It started a momentum swing that went on and eventually helped the Crimson Tide win the football game. Head coach Josh Heupel spoke about the call and gave his opinion and how things were handled.

"I mean, the letter of the law - anybody who puts their hand up above the shoulder, that would signify a fair catch. We had a frontline guy who put his pointer finger up slightly above his shoulder. No, he's not coached to do that, no." Josh Heupel on the fair catch call against Alabama

Special teams have been a big part of Tennessee's success this season. They beat the Texas A&M Aggies in large part because punt returner Dee Williams scored a 39-yard punt return touchdown to give the Vols the lead. The fair catch call was unfortunate for a group that has been one of the strongest in the conference this season.

Tennessee Volunteers HC Josh Heupel during the loss to Alabama. (Photo by John David Mercer of USA Today Sports)

How To Watch: Tennessee @ Kentucky

• Gameday: Saturday, October 28th, 2023.
• Game time: 7:00 pm ET
• TV: ESPN
• Stadium: Kroger Field (Lexington, Kentucky)
• Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

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