Last year, the Vols made a habit of setting the tone early with a strong first quarter. They took it to another level Thursday night, setting the tone with a strong first few plays.

UT came away with an interception on the first play of the game from scrimmage. Ball State tried a reverse flea flicker to open things up, and Tamrion McDonald picked it off after Aaron Beasley got pressure. Hendon Hooker then threw a touchdown pass to Jalin Hyatt on the Vols’ first offensive possession. Immediately, they were up 7-0, and that led to a 17-0 first quarter. They went into halftime up 38-0.

Did Hendon Hooker’s Heisman campaign begin?

After that pass to Hyatt, Hooker seemed to have a bit of trouble getting things going. However, he eventually turned it on, and by the middle of the second quarter, he was rolling.

Hooker finished the game 18-of-25 for 222 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions before being pulled. He also ran it five times for 12 yards and two more touchdowns. Four touchdowns, completing 72 percent of your passes and averaging almost nine yards an attempt? Sounds like Tennessee football’s signal-caller made an early case for Heisman.

Pass defense gave up some plays but also got two picks

Stepping in for Drew Plitt, John Paddock actually had some nice plays. He finished 27-of-43 for 269 yards and a touchdown, and he honestly was just an inch short of another touchdown pass, one that turned into a fumble. Will Jones of Ball State caught a pass and stretched for the pylon, resulting in a fumble. Otherwise, Paddock was okay, and it does lead to concerns about the pass defense.

Still, they got stops when needed. As mentioned, they had an interception on the first play of the game, and while it was largely due to the pass rush of Aaron Beasley, it counts for something. They came away with another interception later in the first half. Forcing turnovers is key for this unit, and they did it twice, so that’s a good sign for their future. 

Joe Milton III’s arm as strong as ever

Once Hooker’s day was done, Joe Milton III, who started the beginning of last season for Tennessee football came back in the game. He did have one bad incompletion where he overthrew Hunter Salmon near the goal line, staying true to form from last year.

However, outside of that, Milton showed he could handle the offense if something happened. He completed 8-of-9 passes for 113 yards, including a beautiful strike to Jimmy Holiday that turned into a 53-yard score. Hooker is clearly the starter, but Milton as a backup doesn’t seem so bad anymore.

Game was won on the ground

Amidst all the talk surrounding Hendon Hooker and the skill players, the run game was the biggest factor in why this game went the way it did. For the Vols, Jabari Small had 13 carries for 63 yards and a score. Jaylen Wright had 13 carries for 88 yards and a score. Dylan Sampson had 10 carries for 32 yards and a score. The team as a whole had 236 rushing yards.

Meanwhile, Ball State as a team ran for just 74 yards. Carson Steele, their feature back who also brings a lot of power to the table, had 27 yards on 11 carries. The Vols came away with multiple fourth down stops, including a failed 4th and 1 quarterback sneak. Their biggest advantage was the line of scrimmage, and they used it.