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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for against Ball State

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) throws a pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) throws a pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Hendon Hooker. player. Pick Analysis. Quarterback. r-Senior. Scouting Report. 2. 839

6’4″ 218 pounds

If the blocking is good to unleash the rushing attack, and if the tight ends can step up to provide their mismatches, Hendon Hooker should have his typical performance. This is the perfect type of game for Hooker to kick off his Heisman campaign for Tennessee football, as he has the chance to obliterate Ball State’s defense all night.

Just like the Vols were last year, Ball State is terrible at containing the quarterback. That’s why Sean Clifford of the Penn State Nittany Lions had his best rushing performance against them in 2021, gaining 66 yards on the ground. That’s a recipe for a quarterback like Hooker to dominate.

Through the air, Hooker will rely on a bit more efficiency and fewer gigantic plays, not just because JaVonta Payton is gone but because Ball State actually somewhat has the personnel to limit that. What they can’t limit, though, are the four and five-yard gains, either through short passing routes to the tight ends or runs right up the gut.

As a result, this game will come down to how well Hooker executes those plays, and the best thing he can do to help execute them is show off his mobility every now and then. Despite fewer eye-popping stats, his management throughout the day is what will make him key in this one.

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