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Hendon Hooker reveals first thoughts on Kentucky's defense

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•10/24/22•

ChandlerVessels

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(Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is eager to face a much-improved Kentucky defense on Saturday. After ranking eighth in the SEC in pass defense last season, the Wildcats are up to third this year as well as second in total defense.

In a Monday press conference, Hooker previewed the challenge ahead while also noting a key difference in Kentucky’s defense from the past few years.

“They look good up front,” Hooker said. “They have some young guys up there, but very fast in the back end. Got some experienced corners and safeties. Usually, we see them kind of drop out in a lot of coverage in previous years, but they’re bringing more pressure this year. So, excited to go out there and compete at a high level.”

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Coming into Saturday’s game, Kentucky is tied for third in the conference with six interceptions this season and has also recorded nine sacks. That will definitely be something to watch for Hooker, who so far has thrown for 18 touchdowns to just one pick.

In last year’s contest against the Kentucky, which the Volunteers won 45-42, Hendon Hooker torched the defense for 316 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions on 15-of-20 passing. He’ll hope for a similar performance this year as Tennessee opens the week as 12.5 point favorites.

In addition to his 18 passing touchdowns this season, Hooker also had three scores on the ground in addition to 2,093 yards passing and 315 rushing. That has helped the Volunteers claim the title of No. 1 offense in the nation, leading the country in both points (50.1) and yards (571.7) per game. Hooker also has the second-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy behind Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud.

This year’s 7-0 start has many Volunteers fans dreaming of a championship run, but the Kentucky defense will do its best to throw a wrench in those plans. Hooker, on the other hand, will try to keep things rolling when Tennessee kicks off against the Wildcats at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday in Knoxville.