Why Tennessee's Josh Heupel didn't join Kirby Smart in Big Ten criticism
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel chose not to criticize the Big Ten's strength, unlike Georgia's Kirby Smart, instead emphasizing the difficulty of the SEC's schedule. Heupel highlighted the physical and competitive demands of Tennessee's 2026 slate, which includes nine conference games and a tough nonconference matchup. While Smart suggested the SEC has a tougher grind, Heupel focused on the positives of his team's challenging season ahead.
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