Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 SEC) will play Clemson (11-2, 8-0 ACC) in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with media Sunday to discuss the Orange Bowl.
Heupel also discussed quarterback Hendon Hooker potentially being a Heisman Memorial Trophy finalist. Heupel was as a Heimsan Trophy runner-up in 2000 with Oklahoma.
Heupel discussed if Hooker has leaned out to him for the Heisman Trophy process from his experience.
“Yeah, unfortunately he doesn’t have control of that at this point,” Heupel said. “Hendon certainly deserves to be at that ceremony. He certainly is one of the best players in college football. The growth of our program is a direct correlation to what he’s done, what he’s invested, how he’s helped build the culture inside of our locker room. Dynamic play-maker that has played his best in the biggest moments. Fierce competitor that makes a ton of plays. I certainly hope that he has that opportunity.”
During the 2022 season, Hooker guided the Vols to wins versus Alabama, Florida and LSU.
In 11 games this season, he completed 229-of-329 passing attempts for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions. Hooker recorded 430 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 104 attempts.
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