Tennessee football quarterback Joe Milton III had one of his best games of the season on Saturday against Kentucky.
The sixth-year senior has had his struggles this season, but he operated efficiently on Saturday. Outside of a few sacks, his 18-of-21 day passing impressed many — including his tight end.
The two shared a moment following the win over Kentucky, celebrating the win.
“I do feel like Joe had a really good game, and I was very happy and very proud, with him after the game,” Jacob Warren said on the Vol Report. “We shared a moment and just talked about, like, yeah, that was a great win. Like I told him he played amazing. And he you know echoed that back to me.
“And it was just good to see him kind of put that game together that he’s been wanting for a while now.”
Milton finished with 228 yards and a touchdown to cap off one of his best games of the season. But, he wasn’t the only Vol to have their best game of the year.
Dont’e Thornton Jr., the transfer out of Oregon, also played one of his best games of the season. On the outside as opposed to the slot, he hauled in three catches for 63 yards.
The expectations were high for Thornton when he transferred to the Vols. Although not a young guy, he is young in his Tennessee career. Like some of the younger players, he is still learning the offense.
“I’m just happy with again how he’s kind of put his head down and obviously had some struggles just in the past,” Warren said. “Whether it’s a focus deal or just the details thing or whatever, but he came out and made some really big plays for us yesterday. It’s cool to see him catch the ball and be able to make those plays because the kid’s super talented, super fast, just really good ball in his hand.”
With the injury to Bru McCoy and the young receiver corp, Thornton’s success could help propel the Tennessee passing offense. His play on the outside would be utilized by Tennessee.
“It’s definitely exciting to see and look forward to seeing it more,” Warren said. “You know, I think that that’s just a stepping stone for him now. He’s going to get that confidence to be able to go do it every week.”l
