To some, the event surrounding the Tennessee-Florida game was just another day at the office. To others, it was much, much more.
Tennessee receiver Bru McCoy was one of those players that was more than just a bit startled when he saw the intensity on campus before the Vols took center stage against the Gators in one of the most hyped games in Tennessee football history.
“Extremely,” McCoy said when asked if it the environment was surreal. “It’s a lot different than where I came from. I’ve just done my best to ride the roller coaster the best way I can and lock in for the team and do what I can. I came here to do a job and help this team win and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”
McCoy is from California. He transferred to Tennessee following the 2021 season. Let’s just say that football is a bit different in the south. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker was his usual calm and composed self after the game, despite the environment.
“I really didn’t feel any spotlight or any stage,” Hooker said. “It’s just us playing football like we do everyday. Another day in the office and the outcome is how we wanted it to be.”
The outcome was indeed what the Vols wanted, but they had to fight to get there. Hooker was driven into the ground hard on his right, throwing shoulder in the second quarter. He winced as he headed to the sidelines while Tennessee fans held their collective breath.
Again, Hooker wasn’t affected.
“It’s ups and downs and aches and pains throughout the game of football,” the senior said. “It’s a physical game. Persevering through that is something that I pride myself in, just being a warrior and competing for my brothers…You’re going to get hit hard. You’re going to be banged up. If you can go, you can go. If you can’t, then you can’t.”
Hooker could certainly go on Saturday. He completed 22-of-28 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns against Florida. He also ran 112 yards on 13 carries. It’s that kind of performance that could take the Vols further than any realistic prognosticator could have predicted before the season.
“We still have the same mission and that’s getting to Atlanta,” Hooker said, referring to the SEC Championship Game. “Just staying the course and coming in everyday and getting better is our goal, just being accountable and sticking together as a team.
Hooker put up an incredible body of work in spite of all the noise surrounding the game and in spite of not having his best receiver. Cedric Tillman was sidelined with an ankle injury that he suffered against Akron last week. No matter. The Vols still had a banner day offensively.
“One guy doesn’t stop the show,” Hooker said. “They all have great things they bring to the table and they compete at a high level. They play with a chip on their shoulder and we have something to prove and we want to prove it every night out.”
Hooker and the Vols did so against Florida on Saturday. Maybe they can do the same in Atlanta in December.
