Virginia Tech Football: 3 takeaways from late Belk Bowl loss to Kentucky
By Zach Bigalke
2. Hendon Hooker couldn’t keep pace with Lynn Bowden
It was always going to be tough for Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker to live up to the type of productivity Lynn Bowden Jr. brings to the table. Hooker had a respectable day against the Kentucky defense, but he was unable to do enough to secure victory for the Hokies to cap off the 2019 season.
The Virginia Tech passer capped the regular season with a huge game throwing the ball, finishing with 311 in the loss to Virginia in the Commonwealth Cup. Hooker was unable to replicate that productivity against the Wildcats as he finished with only 110 yards through the air on 12-of-22 passing.
Virginia Tech did get two touchdown passes from Hooker, and he avoided turning over the ball either via interception or via fumble. He added 50 rushing yards on 12 carries, helping diversify the rushing attack on a day when lead running back Deshawn McClease posted 126 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries.
It was solid, mistake-free day from Hooker at the Belk Bowl. Solid was not spectacular enough, though, as Hooker was outplayed by Bowden on the opposite offense. Still, the performance should offer at least a little consolation to Hokies fans and provide some reason for excitement heading into the new year.