You see, this chaos theory feels like a game of dominoes: one unexpected result sends ripples through the standings, creating moments no one could’ve predicted. On Saturday, Neyland Stadium became the epicenter of one such moment. Obviously, they drilled the Miners 56-0, but Josh Heupel and Nico Iamaleava didn’t make the highlight this time. It’s Tennessee’s orange army that did something that left everyone scratching their heads—and laughing.

The CBS Sports’ CFB page on the gram was quick to post a reel that captured the never-before-seen spectacle. Quick note: don’t miss the caption—“This is what playoff football is all about. It’s really started now,” the reporter exclaimed. And we don’t blame the guy, as the Vols, still licking their wounds from last week’s loss to Georgia, needed help to keep their playoff dreams alive. On Saturday, that help came from two unexpected sources. The primary source was a game taking place at the same time that became the reason for excitement at Rocky Top.

Napier and the Gators broke Ole Miss’ hearts at the swamp 24-17. And the CBS reel came right after, which had the Vols Ultras doing the Gator Chomp, and surely this was not on anybody’s 2024 bingo card. While their clock was still ticking against UTEP, Neyland Stadium erupted for this unlikely act, a move usually reserved for Florida faithful. But why? What do the Rebels, their third loss of the season, mean for Heupel’s side? This result not only dented Ole Miss’s playoff aspirations but cracked the door open for Tennessee to potentially squeeze into the 12-team College Football Playoff.

For Tennessee and star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the Gators’ win wasn’t just a lucky break; it was a lifeline. After losing to the Bulldogs, the Vols faced an uphill battle. The #8 had a career-high number after passing for 209 yards and four touchdowns against UTEP, and favorable results elsewhere were non-negotiable. Now, with Ole Miss essentially out of the picture, the path to the playoffs has cleared considerably. Although they hoped for Ohio State to comfortably handle Indiana, this happened too, and both results aligned perfectly, keeping Tennessee on the right side of the playoff bubble heading into the season’s final stretch.

That said, we already saw Tennessee’s reaction to the upset. But did the head man do the Chomp too? He had the opportunity to do the funniest thing. Let’s hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.

Josh Heupel didn’t do the chomp, as he stayed humble in his celebration

Now, 9-2, Josh Heupel was blissfully unaware of the college football chaos brewing as he stepped to the podium following their dominant Senior Day win at Neyland Stadium. The postgame press conference quickly turned into a scoreboard revelation session. Are the Florida Gators taking down Ole Miss? Are the Indiana Hoosiers getting obliterated by Ohio State?

Well, Heupel shrugged it off with a knowing grin after beating the UTEP Miners. “I said it,” The HC said. “There’s a lot of football left to be played,” he added, channeling his inner philosopher. “We’ve seen it. We’ve lived it—both sides of it. It’s all about focusing on yourself and showing up on Saturdays,” he said, referring to their loss against Georgia, which forced them into this desperate situation. Now, as the playoff race tightens, every game—and every chomp—matters.