Josh Heupel calls Hendon Hooker’s season opener ‘really efficient’ after Ball State win
By Keith Farner
Published:
Josh Heupel liked what he saw from Hendon Hooker as the Tennessee quarterback turned in an impressive performance on Thursday night in the win over Ball State.
Hooker was 18-for-25 passing for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 5 carries for 12 yards and 2 touchdowns.
After the game, Heupel offered his thoughts on Hooker’s opener.
“Really efficient. In command. In control. Our tempo, run game, decisions, checks, pass game, same thing,” Heupel said. “Structurally, some things we had game-planned for, some things we hadn’t. The adjustments on the sideline he handled in a really good way. Just thought he was in complete command of the football game. Before I go back and watch it, the missed throw over the middle, other than that, he was extremely accurate all night long.”
Much of it was done before halftime. Hooker combined for the 3 touchdowns at the break, and the QB connected on 16-of-22 for 201 yards. Hooker hit Jalin Hyatt on a 23-touchdown pass on the Vols first offensive play from scrimmage.
First offensive play for the Vols: Hendon Hooker ➡️ Jalin Hyatt for the 23 yard TD! pic.twitter.com/HxdvfNSUqY
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A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
