Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC) hosted its two biggest rivals in Florida and Alabama the last two weeks at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee defeated the Gators, 23-17 in overtime, during Week 7 and was victorious, 24-17, in Week 8 versus the Crimson Tide.

Fourth-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is now 4-4 against Florida and Alabama as the Vols' head coach since 2021. He discussed joy of having defeated two of Tennessee's biggest rivals this season.

"Joy and being on the right side of the scoreboard each Saturday, those are two big games," Heupel said. "Historically, our fan base, what it means to them, you know what I mean?

"To our players, it's big games because it's league games, and understand what it means and the things that you’re trying to go accomplish, and what you have been working for since January. You know, the last two weeks on that field, it’s just really special because of what it took to find a way to be on the right side of the scoreboard. All the ups and downs, just continuing to compete, and I’m proud of the guys for that."

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Josh Heupel discusses defeating Florida, Alabama in back-to-back weeks