National media outlet names what will 'make or break' the Tennessee Vols in 2023
On Thursday, 247Sports named what they believe will "make or break" each expected top 25 team's 2023 season. And their choice for the Tennessee Vols wasn't a surprise. 247Sports thinks learning to live without star quarterback Hendon Hooker is what will make or break the season for the Vols. From 247Sports: This offense replaces Hooker […]
On Thursday, 247Sports named what they believe will "make or break" each expected top 25 team's 2023 season.
And their choice for the Tennessee Vols wasn't a surprise.
247Sports thinks learning to live without star quarterback Hendon Hooker is what will make or break the season for the Vols.
This offense replaces Hooker and a couple of major playmakers, including wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, but new-look Tennessee did take down Clemson in the Orange Bowl with Joe Milton at quarterback. He figures to be on the preseason Heisman shortlist next season given his talent level under center. Josh Heupel's program will hope to continue its surge nationally, but will be the hunted this time around. That is something that falls on everyone.
Life without Hooker will definitely be an adjustment for the Vols — Hooker was an incredibly special player.
Joe Milton, however, looked up to the task after leading Tennessee to two big wins in 2022 after Hooker's ACL injury.
Milton led the Vols to a 56-0 win against Vanderbilt just a week after the disastrous loss to South Carolina in Columbia. Some folks might say "it's just Vandy", but that was a huge win as rumors were swirling (unfounded rumors I should add) that things were not good in Knoxville at the time. ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit suggested that Tennessee was having major locker room issues. A collapse felt imminent.
The fact that Milton was able to steady the ship on a rainy night in Nashville showed his leadership skills.
And then the win against Clemson in the Orange Bowl confirmed that Milton can create explosive plays against an elite defense.
Tennessee has a lot to prove without Hooker. That's more than fair. But it's also fair to say that they'll be just fine in 2023. Milton has elite abilities and he showed this season that he's taken a major step forward during his time at Tennessee.
Featured image via Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
