No. 3 Tennessee hosts UT Martin Saturday

The Tennessee Volunteers (6-0) are hosting UT Martin (4-2) in a Week 8 matchup. Week 7 was slated to be one of the most exciting weeks in recent college football. It lived up to the hype, especially for the team out of Knoxville.

Tennessee

The Volunteers are coming off a historic 52-49 victory over Alabama. It’s the first time Tennessee has taken down the Crimson Tide in fifteen years. Hendon Hooker is looking more like a Heisman candidate each week. Additionally, the Volunteers are ranked at No.3 in the latest AP poll. It’s there highest ranking since they opened the season No.3 in 2005.

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Despite arguably his greatest victory at Tennessee, head coach Josh Heupel wants his team to remain hungry. Additionally, he said there’s still work to be done this season.

This isn’t the first time the Vols have impressed this season. They beat Florida 38-33 in Week 4 for their first win over the Gators in six years.

It’s no secret that the atmosphere after Tennessee beat Alabama was electric. A sea of orange burst onto the field once the game ended. Even a goal post was taken out of the stadium. It was a big recruiting weekend for Heupel in which many of the recruits got to witness something special.

Jalin Hyatt

Coming into the season, senior wide receiver Cedric Tillman was poised to be the lead wideout for the Volunteers. However, Tillman’s ankle injury has thrust junior Jalin Hyatt into the spotlight.

He put together one of the most impressive performances by a wide receiver that even got Peyton Manning’s approval. Hyatt put up a monstrous six catches for 207 yards and five touchdowns vs. Alabama. Heupel was asked if he believes Hyatt has played himself into being the best wide receiver in the SEC.

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Offensive line play

Alabama has one of the elite defensive lines in all of college football led by Will Anderson Jr.. Hendon Hooker has played against a relatively strong offensive line all season long. Here’s what Heupel had to say about their performance against Alabama.

UT Martin

Tennessee will hope to carry its momentum into the game against UT Martin on Saturday. The Skyhawks are currently 4-2 and sit at first place in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The teams have only met once previously. The Volunteers took that contest 50-0 back in 2010.

After a bye last week, UT Martin defeated Murray State 45-16 in its latest contest. Quarterback Dresser Winn threw for over 400 yards and the Skyhawks scored five touchdowns on the ground.

The matchup will take place at noon on Saturday, Oct. 22 with coverage on SEC Network.

See ya Saturday! https://t.co/GyYqdxI61O

— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) October 16, 2022