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Tennessee bounced back from its disappointing loss to Pittsburgh a week ago by blasting Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, 56-0.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker, who played well against the Panthers after replacing an injured Joe Milton, provided a huge spark for the Volunteers on offense, as he completed 17-of-25 passes for 199 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. The Virginia Tech transfer also added 64 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The Tennessee defense, meanwhile, held the Golden Eagles to just 179 total yards, while also recording 4 interceptions in the game.
After the win, first-year Volunteers coach Josh Heupel talked about the victory and what’s next for his team.
On the environment the fans created even with an FCS opponent in town:
#Vols football coach Josh Heupel opens presser by thanking fans for making a fun environment out of a noon kickoff in a game like today’s.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) September 18, 2021
On Hooker’s play at quarterback:
Josh Heupel on Hendon Hooker: Some real positives, decisive, accurate at times, did a good job using his feet at times. #Vols
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) September 18, 2021
On Milton’s health status:
Heupel: Joe Milton III had an opportunity to work with us a couple days in the middle of the week. Just didn’t think he was ready.
— SmokeyLowdown (@SmokeyLowdown) September 18, 2021
Heupel on Joe Milton:
"The next couple of days" will be pivotal in recovery before Florida game.
— Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) September 18, 2021
On winning against an FCS team:
Heupel: I think it’s important that our players enjoy every win.
— GoVols247 (@GoVols247) September 18, 2021
On his team’s offensive pace:
#Vols coach Josh Heupel: Our pace of play is not even close to as fast as it’s capable of being and how fast it should be. We’ve got to clean it up.
(That’s pretty wild. Tennessee is already playing crazy fast.)
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) September 18, 2021
On the health of his offensive line:
Heupel: We need Cooper Mays to get back. We need our guys to be healthy. But we saw some positives out of Ollie, Dayne and guys like that today.
— GoVols247 (@GoVols247) September 18, 2021
On Byron Young’s return and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks:
Heupel: I thought Byron Young pressed the pocket at times today. He’s one of our best pass rushers, and we missed him the past two weeks.
— GoVols247 (@GoVols247) September 18, 2021
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
