Josh Heupel comments on the threat of Jalen Milroe ahead of Tennessee's clash against Alabama

Josh Heupel and his No. 11 Tennessee team welcome No. 7 Alabama to Knoxville on Saturday for a highly anticipated matchup. The Volunteers and Crimson Tide started the season on a bright note but have experienced uncertainties after both teams suffered upsets in Week 6.

Ahead of the Week 8 game, Josh Heupel is wary of the threat Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe poses. Milroe leads the nation with 11.2 yards per pass attempt.

“He has been extremely accurate with the football,” Heupel said, per On3. “Been a pretty sound decision-maker. I think while you’re trying to apply pressure to him, right? So those guys don’t have all day to run around on the second and third levels.

“You have to be mindful of not letting him escape. His athleticism when he does escape is special. You put all those pieces together, you got to do a great job of having rush integrity, getting off a block, making a play when he tucks it.”

Josh Heupel talks about his relationship with Kalen DeBoer

Josh Heupel and Kalen DeBoer face one another on Saturday in an intense rivalry game. However, the two share a unique connection as both are natives of South Dakota.

Heupel comes from Aberdeen while DeBoer hails from Milbank. Their shared roots will be placed aside at Neyland Stadium this weekend as both teams try to avoid their second defeat of the season. The Tennessee coach talked about their history in his media availability on Monday.

“Not a lot of us from South Dakota,” Heupel said. “But anyways, knew of him when I was younger. And through his coaching career, he was just somebody that I stayed in contact with at times. Got great respect for him and what he’s done throughout his career and how he handles himself.”

A huge game for Tennessee in Knoxville

Without a doubt, the Saturday game is a huge one for Tennessee at home. The Volunteers have been touted for a spot in the playoffs but a loss this weekend could place that in jeopardy. Josh Heupel commented on the rivalry game and their preparation on Monday.

“Another huge contest here for us,” Heupel said. “Rivalry game and college football as good as it gets here with these two teams playing. So looking forward to seeing our fans out on Saturday and needing a great week of practice preparation for a really good football team that we’re playing.”

Known as the “Third Saturday in October,” the rivalry game is one of the oldest and most historic in college football. The two schools first met in 1901 and the series has been hotly contested by both teams ever since.