|
Vols thrash Skyhawks 65-24 on Homecoming 2022 to remain unbeaten
By Tom Mabry, Knoxville Daily Sun - UT Football Writer
October 23 2022, 10:11 a.m.
Image by Tom Mabry |
One phrase is commonly employed to describe the success of a college football program - Scheduling is Everything.
A week after an emotionally draining upset of Alabama, this Tennessee team took advantage of a 42 point underdog and shot down UT Martin (or UTM, as they now so identify). On a day where the university honored Title IX and the legacy of UTM alum Pat Summitt, the Vols remained undefeated at 7-0 with a resounding score of 65-24 win on a bright and beautiful Autumn day at Neyland Stadium.
Image by Tom Mabry |
Following the festive pregame ceremonies featuring former cheerleaders, the Over the Hill Alumni Band and the Tennessee Walking Horse tradition, the Vols quickly set forth to dismantle their West Tennessee foes. While UTM did tie the game 7-7 early, the Vols rebounded for a 21-7 first quarter lead which became a 52-7 halftime lead and the rout was on.
Image by Tom Mabry |
Hendon Hooker receives a note from a young fan;
Image by Tom Mabry |
Quarterback Hendon Hooker enhanced his Heisman resume on 18-24 passing for 248 yards and three touchdowns before being relieved by Joe Milton III before halftime. Jalin Hyatt also entered the Heisman conversation, dazzling with 7 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns after being honored as National Player of the Week following the Alabama victory. Dylan Sampson led the rushing with 62 yards on 13 carries, including a nice 45 yard run. Solon Page III turned in a memorable defensive performance with two tackles, including a sack. Walkon phenom William Wright provided a timely interception, and Squirrel White lived up to his preseason billing with a 64 yard touchdown reception from Milton. Finally, the last second hero of the Bama game, Chase McGrath, added yet another 40 yard field goal.
The real star for Tennessee, though, was Princeton Fant. Listed on the team roster as a tight end, Fant’s role in the offense has increased dramatically after he also starred in the Alabama game. A great tailback in high school from the Tennessee mid-state, he not only ran for a touchdown, but also showed exceptional arm strength by throwing for a touchdown on a bit of trickery to Hyatt. Fant also caught a 17 yard pass in his “regular” role. In a postgame interview, Fant jokingly intimated that his throwing prowess rivaled Hooker and Milton, drawing laughs in the media room.
Image by Tom Mabry |
UTM was not without its heroes. While it’s defense was predictably woeful, quarterback Dresser Finn passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns. George Qualls caught two touchdown passes from Winn. Finally, Zoe Roberts caught Tennessee off guard an a fan sweep for UTM’s lone rushing touchdown and first quarter tie.
Coach Josh Heupel, while noting with approval his team’s number 3 national ranking, insisted that this Vols team had room for improvement. With another tough SEC test in Kentucky coming to Neyland next Saturday night, he said it’s essential that the team continue to work on fundamentals and discipline.
The team showed exceptional effort against an overmatched opponent, a perfect combination for resounding win before over 100,000 fans and alumni. Much of their success results from an attitude of hard work and preparation which means fun as they play on Saturdays. After desultory Autumn homecoming victories in the recent past, this one felt different, the difference being the joy the players brought to the game. Much like the Pride of the Southland band, this remarkable season marches on.
Image by Tom Mabry |
GAME NOTES:
• VFL Heath Shuler attended the game, acknowledging Hooker breaking his UT record of 19 games in a row with a touchdown pass.
• Josh Heupel showed his humorous side while jawing with officials during a replay determining whether UTM had scored a late touchdown. Since the Vols were up by over 40 points at the time, the coach could afford to sport some sideline jocularity.
• The homecoming postgame crowd on Shields Watkins Field was remarkably calm after the melee a week earlier after the Alabama game. A touching moment occurred when a young fan gave Hooker a note after the game which reputedly was an endorsement of his Heisman candidacy. Hendo Cinco could not have been more gracious and this moment should accompany his Hype for Heisman campaign. One commentator noted that only the Coke bottle was missing.
• One Tennessee recruit attending the game noted that the new goalposts installed were a bit wobbly as he leaped to touch the crossbar pregame. From the field they indeed looked that way. Maybe the UT administration knows that there may be a time in the near future when these become history, too.
|