Several astute literary contributors pointed out that I referenced Tennessee’s “14-point win” following a 45-24 victory over Georgia Tech.
Math is one of my many declining skills. However, keep in mind I’m a product of the Louisiana public school system.
Missing a subtraction problem by only seven points would have gotten me a “B” at my high school.
Robert writes: I am getting serious Tee Martin vibes with Faizon Brandon’s play early. He manages the game, doesn’t make mistakes, can make some throws and grab a first down with his feet. What about you?
My response: Same here. In fact, I mentioned that in a column.
Brandon’s passing (10-for-21) also reminded me of Martin in his early games as Tennessee’s starting quarterback in 1998. Martin had accuracy
issues initially but improved markedly with experience.
Later, in that same season, Martin set an NCAA record by completing 23 consecutive passes in UT’s victory over South Carolina.
Hubert writes: Has Josh Heupel lost a few pounds?
My response: He looks slimmer. However, there’s no way to know for sure since he doesn’t have a “weight clause” in his contract.
But as a columnist, guessing games aren’t off-limits. Suppose Heupel weighed 230 pounds in 2025 but has since lost 14 pounds.
Based on my Louisiana math education, he now weighs 209 pounds.
Colorado Mark writes: Do you think, maybe, Oregon might wish they had stayed in the Pac-thetic Conference, and is there a coach you enjoy watching lose more than PJ Fleck, aka Dr Evil? And doesn't it seem like the air is fresher, the sky bluer, and life has returned to more normal times now that the Pavia Mafia is gone for good?
My response: I do like watching Fleck whether he wins or loses. How much caffeine do you think he consumes on game day?
But I would rather watch the Pavia Mafia. Every football Saturday when Diego Pavia was quarterbacking the Commodores, his family added a certain flair to a usually staid fan base.
The Pavia Mafia was so much fun that Vanderbilt should pay the Pavias to attend games. Better yet, why not have Pavia change his name, don a wig, and launch a second career as the Commodores quarterback?
Glenn writes: When they get into SEC play, Tennessee’s O-line and D-line will have to dial up their performance a few notches. The inconsistent line play we saw against Georgia Tech won't win any upsets down the road.
My response: One of the plusses to playing inferior nonconference opponents is you are assured of winning (unless you have Jeremy Pruitt for a coach, and Georgia State for an opponent). One of the minuses is you raise expectations to such heights that you are expected to dominate on every play.
How bad can your offensive line be when you average better than 300 yards rushing as the Vols have?
Don writes: I am wondering what is the world's record for most consecutive pass interference penalties in a row by one player? Also, do you think that Timothy Merritt, No. 25, is out there running laps at this moment as you are reading my email?
My response: I’m not interested in researching NCAA records. But I will venture a guess.
My guess: Tennessee safety Timothy Merritt holds the NCAA record with three consecutive pass interference penalties. He set the record in Tennessee’s 45-24 victory over Georgia Tech on Sept. 12, 2026.
Doug writes: The Vols are 2-0 and have looked dominant in both victories. I wonder, though, what our highly paid receivers are thinking or feeling about the significant drop-off in the number of passes thrown this season.
I understand we are “protecting” or "breaking in" a true freshman quarterback, but I do wonder what the highly touted receivers would choose to do after the season if we continue to throw approximately 20 passes per game?
My response: Heupel’s offenses usually maintain a nice run-pass balance. But neither Furman nor Georgia Tech was adept at run defense. So, naturally, the Vols ran more.
And with a freshman quarterback, it makes sense to lean on your running game. As Brandon gains experience, the Vols likely will pass more.
I think Tennessee’s receivers understand that.
Terry writes: You should consider changing your name to “Faijohn.” Imagine the boost to KNS subscriptions and your readership. Your followers likely would break 100, my friend. Just a thought.
My response: I don’t play around with names anymore – not after dubbing former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava “Heismanaleava.”
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Readers ridicule my math and notice Josh Heupel weight loss | Adams
