By: NATE DEVILLE

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- And just like that… only three regular season games remain for the Tennessee Volunteers this year.  

The No. 21 Vols (6-3) return to action this weekend as they face the New Mexico State Aggies (3-6) on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. (SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium. 

“This is our next opportunity to play,” coach Josh Heupel said. “There's a lot of areas that we have to get better in.” 

Fresh off of a week 11 bye after a backbreaking loss to Oklahoma in week 10, the Vols get their first crack at finishing the home stretch strong with their final non-conference matchup of the year. 

The Vols, unlikely to make the College Football Playoff cut, will be tasked with staying hungry and motivated against a lesser opponent, while having tempered expectations for the postseason. 

Heupel expects his team to treat this matchup as any other, staying present in the moment, and taking care of business. 

“What happens after, that's after, you can't control any of that,” Heupel said. “Same thing that we talk about consistently in our program, all phases of the year. Control and win right now." 

Tennessee wide receiver and Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year semifinalist Braylon Staley has turned heads this season with 703 yards and five touchdown receptions.

The 19-year-old’s success does not come as a surprise to Heupel, as he had high expectations for his freshman wideout. 

"We expected him to play at a really high level," the coach said. "That was part of our decision-making in the offseason as a staff.” 

Following their week 12 clash with the Aggies, the Volunteers will then head to The Swamp to take on the Florida Gators, before closing out the year at home against Vanderbilt.