Jim Mora’s vote in the final USA Today Coaches Poll indicates that the head coach of UConn still harbors animosity toward Tennessee football. Only two coaches, including Mora, did not place Tennessee on their final ballot.
In a game that saw some hostility between the two teams during warmups and Mora perhaps taking a jab at the Vols during his postgame news conference, UConn lost 59-3 to Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in November.
The Vols appeared to be offended when the Huskies warmed up on Tennessee’s side of Shields-Watkins Field a few hours prior to the Homecoming game’s kickoff during the early pregame activities.
Head coach Josh Heupel and other UConn players had to be separated from the Tennessee team, according to footage captured on the field.
Iowa was placed No. 18 by Jim Mora in the final Coaches Poll.
Heupel and Mora exchanged short words during their postgame handshake on the field after the game, with neither coach staying to talk.
In his opening remarks at the press conference following the game, Mora seemed to be taking a jab at the Vols.
At the time, Mora stated, “The only thing I can say is that it was a tough game.” I’m proud of our players for their manners before, during, and after the football game on the field.
Following their 35-0 victory over Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day, Tennessee moved up six points to take the 17th spot in the final Coaches Poll on Tuesday.
In his ballot, Mora placed Iowa at number eighteen, ahead of Oklahoma State, James Madison, Notre Dame, SMU, North Carolina, Oregon State, and Clemson.
Tennessee placed 17th in the Coaches Poll and AP Top 25.
Following the bowl shutout, Tennessee moved up eight spots to finish at No. 17 in the final Associated Press Top 25 of the season.
The Vols have won 20 games in the last two seasons, which is the most in back-to-back seasons since they won 20 in 2003 and 2004. The team finished sixth in the AP Top 25 last season. Tennessee finished 9-4 this season, with defeats at home against Georgia, at Florida, at Alabama, and at Missouri, after being 11-2 in 2022.
Tennessee has been ranked ranging from 11th to 21st in the Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings, which are looking ahead to the 2024 season.
Sporting News has the Vols at No. 14, Athlon has Tennessee at No. 11, and On3 has Tennessee at No. 15. The Vols are ranked No. 17 by ESPN, Action Network, Pro Football Focus, and Bleacher Report, and No. 21 by Bleacher Report.