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Tennessee football’s turning points in 63-6 win vs. Akron

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren (87) is tackled by a host of Akron defenders during a game between Tennessee and Akron at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.Kns Utvakron0917
Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren (87) is tackled by a host of Akron defenders during a game between Tennessee and Akron at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.Kns Utvakron0917 /
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In such a blowout win, Tennessee football was never threatened. However, the Vols had a bit of a slow start against the Akron Zips before they really got going Saturday in their 63-6 win in front of a sellout crowd at Neyland Stadium. These were the key moments in the game to get them going.

Hendon Hooker 27-yard run

The Vols actually missed a field goal on their first drive after getting the ball first. Then they forced a three-and-out. They desperately needed a spark, and Hendon Hooker provided it with a 27-yard run on 3rd and 6 near midfield. That allowed them to keep the ball, and after a completion to Princeton Fant, it set up a two-yard touchdown run by Jaylen Wright to put them up 7-0.

Squirrel White 47-yard reception from Hendon Hooker

After forcing another punt and still leading 7-0, Tennessee football still needed a way to break the game open. On the first play of the next drive, Hooker found Squirrel White for a 47-yard reception. Slot receivers became a story all night, but White was the guy who got it going for them.

Jacob Warren 17-yard reception from Hendon Hooker

Facing a 3rd and 19 near the red zone, Hendon Hooker hit Jacob Warren for a 17-yard gain. That set up a nine-yard touchdown run by Dylan Sampson on a 4th and 2 option play. It’s an underrated sequence, but it’s one that put the Vols up 14-0 and really began the process of breaking things open for them.

Jalin Hyatt 57-yard touchdown reception from Hendon Hooker

This one is pretty simple. Tennessee football forced a punt again, got the ball back and had the chance to go up three touchdowns. It started with a Jaylen Wright run to convert a 4th and 1. Two plays later, Hendon Hooker connected with Jalin Hyatt for a 57-yard touchdown, and that put the Vols up 21-0.

Cory Smigel missed field goal

Down 21-0, Akron drove into the Vols’ territory on the next drive, and they were at least threatening to put points on the board and potentially make it a game. However, UT’s defense held and forced a field goal. After Cory Smigel missed it, the Vols got the ball with a three-touchdown lead, effectively ending it.

dark. Next. Five takeaways from Vols' 63-6 win vs. Akron

Of course, Tennessee football reeled off touchdowns in three more possessions in a row and forced a fumble on Akron’s next offensive drive, but this missed field goal truly allowed them the chance to break this game open and assure it would be a blowout win for them. As a result, it makes the list of key moments.

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