Josh Heupel has Hendon Hookier putting up numbers Tennessee QB’s haven’t hit in a decade
By Scott Rogust
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker did something that only Tyler Bray could brag about.
When it comes to the Tennessee Volunteers football program, they have had trouble finding that star quarterback to help them compete in the SEC. But in the 2021 season, it appears the Volunteers have their guy in Hendon Hooker.
On Saturday, Hooker led Tennessee to a 45-20 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks. With this game in the books, Hooker now joins some solid company, as he is now the first Tennessee quarterback to throw for multiple touchdowns in five games since Tyler Bray had his six-game streak back in 2012.
Hendon Hooker leads Tennessee to win over South Carolina
Hooker transferred to Tennessee after spending his first three years of college at Virginia Tech. The senior may have only logged one pass in the season-opener against Bowling Green, but he then began his streak of throwing multiple touchdown passes in consecutive games.
Here is how Hooker performed prior to this Saturday’s game against the Gamecocks:
- Sept. 11 vs. Pittsburgh: 15-of-23 for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception
- Sept. 18 vs. Tennessee Tech: 17-of-25 for 199 yards, three touchdowns
- Sept. 25 vs. Florida: 13-of-23 for 221 yards, two touchdowns
- Oct. 2 vs. Missouri: 15-of-19 for 225 yards, three touchdowns
Facing off against South Carolina, Hooker completed 17-of-23 pass attempts for 225 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 66 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. All four of those touchdown passes came in the first quarter, giving the Volunteers an 28-0 lead entering the second quarter.
Hooker now has the chance to tie Bray’s multiple touchdown records streak next Saturday when they take on the ranked Ole Miss Rebels.
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