If you've been an Oklahoma Sooners fan for some time, you know all too well about the name Josh Heupel, for both good and bad reasons. It's somewhat of a love-hate relationship between the Sooners fan base and the Tennessee Volunteers head coach. The ESPN College Gameday game should be pretty crazy.
It all started in 1996. Heupel played for Oklahoma from 1996 to 2000. Bob Stoops has since called him the MVP of his recruiting from back in the day. In 1999, Heupel had a standout year as the starting quarterback for the Sooners. He led Oklahoma to an undefeated regular season, culminating in a victory in the 2000 Sugar Bowl against Florida State, which secured the National Championship for Oklahoma. Heupel was named the MVP of that game, throwing for 235 yards and three touchdowns.
Heupel was known for his ability to manage the game effectively, his accuracy in passing, and his leadership on the field. He wasn't the most physically imposing quarterback, but his football IQ and decision-making were top-notch. He was easily a fan favorite during his time in Crimson. He's the biggest part of the Sooners last National Championship, so the name will always make fans smile.
After his playing career, Heupel transitioned into coaching, where he has also made a name for himself, notably at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and later at the University of Tennessee, continuing his impact on college football. But, before that, he was an offensive coordinator for the Sooners, where he was eventually let go by Bob Stoops , who at the time claimed that Heupel was not the scapegoat of their issues on that side of the ball.
So, after being in Norman for so much of his life, it's fair to say he knows exactly what to expect on Saturday. But, there will be somewhat of an element of surprise as well.
"It should be a great crowd, it's a passionate fan base. I'm expecting them to be extremely quiet for us out of respect for me and our program," Heupel said with a laugh on Monday. "It will be unique going back into that stadium... I would not be here today in Tennessee if I didn’t have all those experiences. Tremendously grateful for all those people."
Heupel has completely turned around that Tennessee football program, and they have become somewhat of a powerhouse. His offenses are usually elite, which is ironic considering that was why he was let go by the Sooners as a coordinator.
Saturday will be a movie for both sides, and I'm sure he will get some boos and cheers. Either way, the Sooners have to come out on top, as this is their first-ever SEC game against a very good opponent, too.
Related: Bob Stoops comments on Josh Heupel's return to Oklahoma when Vols take on Sooners in 2024
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