Joe Milton III was very efficient in limited action on Thursday night against Ball State.

The Tennessee backup QB was 8-for-9 passing for 113 yards and a touchdown. He added 1 carry for 21 yards.

After the game, Josh Heupel gave his review of Milton’s performance.

“You guys know that we felt like he’s grown from the time that he got back in January,” Heupel said. “Much like Hendon has. We felt like they’ve progressed. Each of them in their own way. But I feel like Joe, tonight, showed some of the things that we have seen during the course of training camp, which was extremely positive to see. There will be things he needs to improve upon coming out of this one, too.”

Given Hendon Hooker’s performance both last season, and in the opener against Ball State, it’s unclear how much Milton will play. Still, his accuracy, which has been a major question mark in recent years, was in good shape to start the season.