Vols QB Hendon Hooker isn't getting enough credit for one aspect of win over Alabama
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker isn't getting enough credit from the national media for his final couple of throws in UT's 52-49 win against Alabama. When Alabama missed a 50-yard field goal with just 15 seconds to play, I felt like the Vols had a chance to get into field goal range. But I knew […]
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker isn't getting enough credit from the national media for his final couple of throws in UT's 52-49 win against Alabama.
When Alabama missed a 50-yard field goal with just 15 seconds to play, I felt like the Vols had a chance to get into field goal range. But I knew it would take two perfect plays — a good play call and good execution — for Tennessee to have a chance (even with the two timeouts it had to be perfect).
With the Vols on their own 32-yard line, Hooker quickly went to work and expertly navigated Tennessee into field goal range via an 18-yard completion to Ramel Keyton and a 27-yard completion to Bru McCoy.
Chase McGrath then made the game-winning 40-yard field goal as time expired and the celebration was on.
In the aftermath of the Vols' win, I felt like Hooker's brilliance on the final drive, while acknowledged by fans, wasn't talked about nearly enough by the national folks.
Hooker made it look easy, but what he did isn't normal. What he did against Alabama was something that only elite quarterbacks do. I'm talking about guys like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
In fact, last season in the playoffs, Mahomes faced almost the exact same situation.
Mahomes had 13 seconds to get the Chiefs into field goal range to tie the game against the Buffalo Bills.
And he did it with two impressive completions.
The national media went on about that drive from Mahomes for days. And they should've — it was incredibly impressive.
Hooker's drive was equally as impressive — especially since it came against an Alabama defense that will almost certainly send multiple players to the NFL.
What Hooker did on Saturday in Knoxville against Alabama was special. It was a Heisman moment that just isn't getting enough attention.
I'm not trying to suggest that Hooker is the next Mahomes or anything like that. But the senior Vols quarterback is certainly starting to raise some eyebrows with his ability to stay composed in the biggest of moments and deliver exactly what Tennessee needs.
Don't take what Hooker is doing for granted — he's going to go down as an all-time great on Rocky Top.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
