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Tennessee football’s top five performers in 38-14 loss at Florida

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 25, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA;Tennessee Volunteers running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs with the ball as Florida Gators cornerback Avery Helm (24) defends during the third quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA;Tennessee Volunteers running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs with the ball as Florida Gators cornerback Avery Helm (24) defends during the third quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) stiff arms Florida Gators linebacker Amari Burney (2) as he tries to escape during the football game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Sept. 25, 2021.Flgai 092521 Ufvs Tennesseefb 34
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) stiff arms Florida Gators linebacker Amari Burney (2) as he tries to escape during the football game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Sept. 25, 2021.Flgai 092521 Ufvs Tennesseefb 34 /

Hendon Hooker. 3. player. Scouting Report. Quarterback. Senior. 839. Pick Analysis

13-of-23 for 221 yards, 2 TDs; 13 carries for 23 yards

There should not be anymore controversy for Tennessee football. Hendon Hooker had one bad throw on the night, when he overthrew a wide open Jacob Warren. However, Hooker was on the other side of the field on that play and had to throw across his body.

Outside of that play, Hooker was superb. His only fumble was off a botched flea flicker that never should have been called in the first place. Also, because of Cooper Mays’ rust and subsequent injuries, he had even more problems from the center position than he had in previous weeks. That’s a tough combination to deal with in Josh Heupel’s offense.

Still, Hooker accounted for both touchdowns. He made a perfect throw on the 75-yard TD pass to JaVonta Payton, and amidst a solid Florida pass rush throughout the night, he fought hard for those 23 yards he gained on the ground. It’s hard to say too many bad things about him.

Hooker did get hurt on that botched flea flicker, which is why Joe Milton III came in and finished the game, but that made it even more clear that Hooker should be the starting quarterback the rest of the way. He’s just better right now, and he proved it once and for all Saturday.

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