The Tennessee Volunteers are officially 1-0 to start the 2022 college football season.
Tennessee took down Ball State by a score of 59-10 in Neyland Stadium on Thursday night behind the arm of Vols’ quarterback Hendon Hooker. The super senior Tennessee quarterback was tremendous in the Vols’ season opener on Thursday, throwing for 22 yards on 18-of-25 passing. Hooker also added in two passing touchdowns with no interceptions and two rushing touchdowns.
After the contest in Knoxville, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with the media inside of the stadium.
Tennessee/Ball State: WATCH: Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, Jalin Hyatt, Tamarion McDonald Break Down Season Opening Win
Heupel discussed the fan support at the season opener, reflecting on where his program is now compared to where it was at this point a season ago.
“Hopefully, there’s a ton of belief, optimism and excitement that surrounds our program,” Heupel said. “I don’t say hopefully. There is. We appreciate that. Our program, our coaches, our players. The effort that’s gone in to get to this point— we appreciate our fans backing us up and coming out in a big way.”
The second year head coach discussed the play of USC transfer receiver Bru McCoy, praising his physicality and ability to adapt to the Vols’ up tempo offense. McCoy hauled in three catches for 42 yards in his Tennessee debut.
Heupel also discussed the play of Tennessee’s young receivers, Tamarion McDonad’s growth and much more from the lopsided win.
