What Tennessee's Josh Heupel said about rivalries, halftime and more after beating Alabama football

Josh Heupel couldn't stop coughing during his press conference after Tennessee's 24-17 win over Alabama Football.

“It’s the cigar, okay?” Heupel said.

Cigar smoke filled the air in Knoxville and permeated rooms at Neyland Stadium where there was almost certainly no smoking earlier in the day. Out on the field, the goalposts were gone and pieces were removed from the checkerboard end zones.

The win was Heupel's second over the Crimson Tide, both coming in Knoxville. He then praised his team's performance for the win.

“It was another price war,” Heupel said. “You have to answer the bell. These guys answered the bell every round. I would go into battle with these guys any day. Just another great evening on Rocky Top.”

Nothing went particularly well for the Volunteers in the first half. UT was down 7-0 at halftime, and the only reason Alabama wasn't further ahead was the Crimson Tide's poor performance.

After the game, Heupel described what happened at halftime.

“Nobody blinks an eyelid,” Heupel said. “They have acquired a competitive composure. Understand that we need to make some adjustments, implement things, and get the job done. But in the locker room, man, you're talking about guys believing in each other, trusting and trusting in each other and continuing to play for each other on their side of the ball, on the other side of the ball. It's great. And that’s the culture you want to have in your locker room.”

After its only loss of the season at Arkansas, Tennessee went on a two-game winning streak. The Volunteers defeated Florida in an overtime thriller last week in Knoxville.

Heupel was asked what he thought about beating two of Tennessee's most hated rivals.

“It’s a joy to be on the right side of the scoreboard every Saturday,” said Heupel. “Historically, they are two big games. Our fan base, what it means to them, you know what I mean? And for our players, they're big games because they're league games, man.

“And understanding what it means in the things that you're trying to accomplish and what you've been working on since January and the last two weeks in this area – that's really special because you had to find a way to be on it the right side of that scoreboard with all the ups and downs.”

The Volunteers will be back in action after a bye week and will face Kentucky in Knoxville. Alabama plays Missouri next Saturday in Tuscaloosa.