Assistant coach’s recovery motivates No. 16 Tennessee in 34-6 win over No. 8 Kentucky

KENTUCKY RUNNING BACK CJ Baxter (1) runs for yardages as he's hit by Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. AP photo, WADE PAYNE KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Standing at the podium, basking in his 16th-ranked team’s 34-6 victory over No, 8 Kentucky Saturday night, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel got emotional.It had little to do with the play on the field.Volunteers linebackers coach William Inge had been away from the team for almost two months with an undisclosed serious medical situation. Inge was hospitalized for most of October and is now on the mend at home. He was allowed to be on the sideline for the game.His presence was a significant motivator for the Vols (7-2, 4-2 in Southeastern Conference).“We have truly witnessed a miracle and God’s hands on somebody,” Heupel said about Inge’s recovery. “It was motivation for everyone.

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