
Josh Heupel and the undefeated Volunteers didn’t go too far out of their method to present brotherly like to the Martin department of the College of Tennessee system.
Hendon Hooker performed lower than a half. Jalin Hyatt caught solely two landing passes. Chase McGrath kicked 10 factors however none made a significant distinction. Noise was not an element. Younger gamers acquired appreciable expertise.
The nationally ranked staff racked up 696 yards. It might have gained extra. The web end result was an old style romp, 65-24. It was borderline boring. Not one of the sold-out homecoming crowd, 101,915, stormed the sphere. Objective posts weren’t threatened.
Hooker performed lengthy sufficient to retain his place within the Heisman Trophy race. His stats have been 18 of 24 for 276 and three TDs. He has thrown at the least one landing go in 19 consecutive video games. On the final play of the primary quarter, he broke Heath Shuler’s college report from 1992-94.
The Skyhawks acquired their emotions damage within the second quarter. Tennessee scored 31 factors. The landing simply earlier than intermission was a really impolite trick. Sub quarterback Joe Milton threw a lateral go to Princeton Fant who threw a really lengthy go to Hyatt. The play was 66 yards.
One Martin fan requested “Why would they do this?”
Reply: As a result of they may.
Fant, a highschool operating again earlier than he grew to become a school tight finish earlier than he grew to become a multi-talented shock package deal, mentioned “Coach knew I might throw the ball.”
Fant additionally ran for 2 touchdowns. Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson ran for one every. Ramel Keyton caught two landing passes. Squirrel White had 5 receptions for 122 yards and one rating. Hyatt caught seven for 174. He’s one TD catch from tying Marcus Nash’s college report of 13 set in 1997.
Tennessee scored 52 within the first half, a faculty report. Later, it was prepared to run some clock till Martin put eight defenders up shut and primarily shut down the operating sport. Heupel known as for a bomb simply to get Martin’s consideration – Milton to the run-away Squirrel for 64.
There have been different incidents of be aware – an interception by walk-on cornerback William Wright, a 33-yard punt return by Dee Williams and a fumble restoration by Aaron Beasley.
Martin quarterback Dresser Winn threw for extra yards than Hooker however took twice as lengthy to do it. George Qualls caught two TD passes.
Heupel by no means misses a chance to reward Tennessee paying prospects.
“Clearly a fantastic setting for the soccer sport. Nice alternative to have a good time homecoming, welcome again so many.”
Some had nervous a couple of hangover from the victory over Alabama. Not the coach.
“I assumed our guys ready the proper manner. I didn’t assume our younger guys carried out the way in which they’re able to. We talked about everybody taking a step ahead.”
William Wright, the walk-on defensive again, earned heat phrases from Heupel with the interception.
“Superior for him. He’s paid the value, overcame some adversity.”
When Wright was injured, he invested his time in getting higher mentally even when he couldn’t get on the sphere. The coach mentioned it was a fantastic lesson for others.
“He did plenty of good issues at the moment. Clearly that decide, at that second within the sport, was a momentum-turner.”
Wright made a key cease within the Alabama sport – simply earlier than the Tide missed the sphere objective.
The Milton to Fant to Hyatt landing didn’t shock Heupel. The coach found throughout the summer season that it was doable.
“Even final yr, we knew he might throw it. This was a particular throw. They have been bringing stress. He acquired the ball out of his palms rapidly. The throw was correct. Large play.”
It was enjoyable.
UT-Martin thought it was a bit of a lot, contemplating the rating was already 44-7.
Marvin West welcomes feedback or questions from readers. His deal with is [email protected]