Some reporters cared more about Josh Heupel's return to Oklahoma than Tennessee football
![Nov 4, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel speaks with running back Jaylen Wright (0) during the first half against the Connecticut Huskies at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports Nov 4, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel speaks with running back Jaylen Wright (0) during the first half against the Connecticut Huskies at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4000,h_2250,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/212/01j2y62qca78bsc0rhc8.jpg)
Josh Heupel spoke to the media at SEC Media Days in Dallas, Texas, and spoke on many different things from the Tennessee brand and culture to recruiting. However, there was one thing Heupel was asked about more than once that seemed a bit weird.
Everyone knows about Heupel's ties with Oklahoma. He was Heisman runner-up in 2000 and won the National Championship that year with the Sooners, their most recent one. Now with Oklahoma joining the SEC and the Volunteers visiting Norman this season, there are questions about his return.
However, one question could have sufficed, but Heupel was asked more than once about his return adn two of the three players he brought were also asked about his return to Norman. While Heupel answered a lot of questions, it just seems weird that some reporters were focused more on his return to Oklahoma than Tennessee football.
For Heupel, of course, the homecoming will bring back memories and emotions adn he even talked about getting to see some old teammates while he is back, but when it comes down to it, it is a business trip. Heupel and the Volunteers are going for one job and that is to bring a win back to Tennessee.
Memories and reminiscing are great and of course for Oklahoma, that 2000 win is so important because it was their most recent national Championship, but that was 25 years ago. Tennessee is coming in to get the job done and the other stuff will have to take a backseat.
Heupel did talk about how it will be different being on the opposing sideline after spending so many Saturdays on the home sideline and being cheered for every week. He respects the University and is excited to see the two brands come together in a game, especially with his history with Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables.
The question was smart to ask, but it just seemed odd to ask it so many times. There is only so much the guy can say about being excited to return to Norman.
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