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Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from thrilling road loss to Volunteers

By Dante Pryor

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide on the line of scrimmage during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide on the line of scrimmage during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) celebrates with fans after Tennessee’s 52-49 win over Alabama in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct 15, 2022.2. Takeaways for Tennessee.
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) celebrates with fans after Tennessee’s 52-49 win over Alabama in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct 15, 2022.2. Takeaways for Tennessee. /

Only time will tell if the Volunteers are back, but they have firmly established themselves as the second or third team in the SEC. One could argue they are the second-best team in the conference since they defeated Alabama. There is no argument that head coach Josh Heupel has shattered expectations most had for him.

If there is a voter that does not have quarterback Hendon Hooker on their Heisman ballot, you may put him on there right now. Hooker has entrenched himself in the conversation with the likes of CJ Stroud, Bijan Robinson, and Bryce Young. Hooker’s poise and penchant for making big plays were on display tonight.

What made Hooker’s performance most impressive is that he was without leading receiver Cedric Tillman.

Tillman and Tennessee’s receivers are proof of how good a job Heupel and his staff have done. The redshirt senior had eight receptions before Heupel arrived in Knoxville. He had 64 in his first season in the new Tennessee offense. Not only has Heupel gotten a lot out of Tillman, but he’s also gotten a lot out of much-traveled receiver Bru McCoy.

McCoy has played great football this season, and he’s been able to stay healthy.

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