Hendon Hooker can become the first Tennessee quarterback to defeat a Nick Saban-coached Alabama team, and the first signal-caller since Eric Ainge (2006) to beat the Crimson Tide in the 2000s era.
He is guiding a program that is very exciting in year two under Josh Heupel. Volunteers fans believe the “T” is feared again, and Saturday will be the moment when it breaks the losing streak to Alabama. Hooker has Tennessee undefeated (5-0) and heading into a top-10 matchup at 2:30 p.m. via CBS at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. The 6-foot-4, 218-pounder spoke to reporters Monday about the importance of the matchup. As a North Carolina native, Hooker knows what a win would mean for the Vols.
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker: We look at it as a one-week season and this is a championship game.
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) October 10, 2022
“We look at it as a one-week season, and this is a championship game,” Hooker said about playing Alabama.
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A victory over the Tide would make this season special for Tennessee.
Hooker played well against the Tide in 2021, despite suffering a 24-52 loss at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He totaled 282 passing yards and three touchdowns. Hooker has 1,432 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, and three rushing scores this season.
He has not tossed an interception and leads an offense that’s averaging 46.8 points per game. Tennessee has three 40+ point games, including a 60-point game against Akron. The Vols have four wide receivers — including Jalin Hyatt — that the Tide must limit. Coach Saban knows the playmaking ability that Hooker brings, but Alabama’s defense has to stop him.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
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