Josh Heupel emotional as Tennessee wins in his Oklahoma return - ESPN

NORMAN, Okla. — The emotion in his voice and on his face said it all for Tennessee coach Josh Heupel late Saturday night in his much anticipated return to his alma mater.

Heupel, who 10 years earlier was stung by his firing as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator, said repeatedly that the No. 6 Vols' 25-15 win over the No. 15 Sooners was «never about me» in a game that saw Tennessee build a 22-3 lead going into the fourth quarter and dominate defensively the whole way.

When it was over — with family members, players, former OU teammates and coaches embracing him before he exited the field — the normally stoic Heupel was clearly moved as Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava presented him with the game ball on the field.

«This game was never about me coming back here, not for this football team,» Heupel said in his postgame news conference. «I say all that, but they also understood that this one was a little bit different for me personally, too. That's not what it was about, but I do appreciate their recognition.»

He was even more emotional in the locker room and had to pause a couple of different times while talking to his players.

«I appreciate you all having a little extra for me,» Heupel said, struggling to find the right words as the players clapped and cheered. «I love you guys. I really mean that. I'm proud of you. I'm proud of how you've grown. Our best is still out in front of us.»

Asked where the game ball would go, Heupel said, «It will go in the office for sure.»

Tennessee (4-0) entered the game as the country's highest-scoring offense, and while the Vols managed just two field goals after halftime against a stout Oklahoma defense, it's Tennessee's defense that makes this Heupel's most complete team since he