It was billed as a must-see matchup between two of this year’s top quarterback prospects, and a top-20 showdown between conference rivals.
Instead, it was a blowout win for No. 3 Tennessee over No. 19 Kentucky, another stellar performance from Hendon Hooker, and a night to forget for Will Levis.
After a tight first quarter, it was never in doubt for the Vols, who rolled to a 44-6 home win over the Wildcats, with Hooker accounting for four touchdowns while Levis threw a trio of interceptions.
Hooker finished the game with 245 yards and three scores through the air, with no interceptions, adding 23 yards and another score on the ground. Levis completed just 16 of his 27 passes for 98 yards, no touchdowns, and the three picks.
Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt continued his breakout 2022 campaign, leading the team with 138 yards on five receptions, breaking Tennessee’s single-season receiving touchdown mark with a pair of scoring tosses from Hooker.
Tennessee continues to look like a legitimate national title contender, while Hooker’s draft stock continues to skyrocket. The opposite appears true for the Wildcats, who could fall out of the top 25 with such a huge loss, while Levis’ draft projections are sure to take another massive hit after this performance.
