All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football’s top five performers in 31-26 loss to Ole Miss

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) runs past Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Nick Broeker (64) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) runs past Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Nick Broeker (64) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) runs in a touchdown in the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 16, 2021.Utvom1016
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) runs in a touchdown in the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 16, 2021.Utvom1016 /

Quarterback. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Redshirt senior. Hendon Hooker. 3. player

17-of-26, 233 yards, 1 TD; 23 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD

We were so close to potentially witnessing Hendon Hooker overtake Matt Corral as the SEC’s biggest star, but he was knocked out of the game on the final three plays. That proved costly for Tennessee football, as Joe Milton III made a horrible decision on the final play.

Hooker struggled himself at times throughout the game. He really didn’t get going offensively in the first half. However, every time Ole Miss was seemingly about to pull away, he got red-hot. With a depleted offensive line and his top running back out, Hooker had to do way more than he usually does in this game.

That almost was enough. Hooker’s only mistake was allowing a 4th and 24 to come up because of his willingness to take coverage sacks rather than take a shot. He seemingly converted the 4th and 24, and fans can blame the refs for that bad spot, but Hooker made too many mistakes to allow that down and distance to come up.

Nonetheless, he had no turnovers and 331 total yards with two touchdowns. Everybody may talk about Corral, but Hooker was more efficient on the night. If he had not been hurt on the final drive, he may have orchestrated a time-expiring game-winning touchdown.

Home/Vols Football