Are the Volunteers ready to face Chattanooga? Head Coach Josh Heupel speaks ahead of season opener

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Game week has arrived on Rocky Top as the 15th-ranked Volunteers begin the 2024 season on August 31 in Neyland Stadium against Chattanooga.

Head coach Josh Heupel held a press conference on Monday to provide insights into the upcoming game. During the press conference, Heupel shared his excitement for the first game from the Vol Walk at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday to the Smokey Grey uniforms the team will be wearing .

“[We’re] facing the Chattanooga team, that’s a really good opponent, preseason ranked in top 10 in their division, return a lot of really good players. At the end of the day, this is the first step in our journey. I look forward to going and competing with this group,” said Heupel.

He added that UT has to look out for Chattanooga’s veteran quarterback and make sure they are looking offensively at them.

“At this point in the season, it’s about one week, winning every day and putting yourself in the best position to go play your best football on Saturdays. So it’s a one-and-all mindset at this point,” said Heupel.

2024 is Heupel’s fourth season at Rocky Top. Over his past three seasons, the coach has produced a 27-12 overall record.

• Are the Volunteers ready to face Chattanooga? Head Coach Josh Heupel speaks ahead of season opener
• Tennessee Athletics announces Spanish broadcasts for 2024 football season
• Tennessee brings back Checker Neyland for Florida game
• No. 15 Tennessee ready to build on coach Josh Heupel’s success in his 4th season
• Vols running back Cam Seldon is a ‘full go’ after injury

Kick-off for Saturday’s game is set for 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network and limited single-season game tickets remain on sale for select home games at AllVols.com . However, season tickets are sold out for the second season in a row.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.