Published Jul 29, 2023
Volunteer Rewind: Tennessee stomps out Missouri on Senior Day
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Ryan Sylvia  •  VolReport
Assistant Managing Editor
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@RyanTSylvia

After falling to Georgia for the first loss of the season, Tennessee returned home to wrap up its home slate.

In the match, the No. 5 Vols (9-1, 5-1 SEC) surged past Missouri (4-6. 2-5) 66-24 to finish the season undefeated at home.

Let's dive into the intricacies of the matchup.

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Scoring

1Q:

Vols TD - Small 10-yard run (7-0)

Mizzou TD - Burden 4-yard reception from Cook (7-7)

2Q:

Vols TD - Wright 3-yard run (14-7)

Vols TD - Fant 19-yard reception from Hooker (21-7)

Mizzou TD - Dove 43-yard reception from Cook (21-14)

Vols TD - Hooker 14-yard run (28-14)

Mizzou FG - Mevis 32-yard kick (28-17)

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3Q:

Mizzou TD - Lovett 38-yard reception from Cook (28-24)

Vols TD - Hyatt 68-yard reception from Hooker (35-24)

Vols TD - Fant 2-yard reception from Hooker (42-24)

Vols TD - Wright 1-yard run (49-24)

4Q:

Vols FG - McGrath 48-yard kick (52-24)

Vols TD - Keyton 46-yard reception from Milton (59-24)

Vols TD - Sampson 2-yard run (66-24)

MVPs

Offense: Hendon Hooker

In his final time in front of the crowd in Neyland Stadium, Hendon Hooker didn't dissapoint.

Instead, the quarterback threw for 355 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 50 yards on eight rushes that resulted in another score.

After a marvelous two seasons in Knoxville, Hooker ended his career at home in the best way possible. He was the key reason the Vols created separation and capped off the home slate with a big win.

He wrapped it up by conducting the band, as well.

MORE FROM VOLREPORT: Volunteer Rewind: Tennessee snaps streak vs. Alabama in emotional win

Defense: Tyler Baron

On defense, Tyler Baron stole the show.

The defensive end recorded the third most tackles on the team with four. However, what was most impressive was his sack and four tackles for loss.

Baron provided constant pressure throughout the entire game whether it was on the Tigers' quarterback or attempt at stabilizing the rushing attack. Even though Missouri had a solid start, he ensured it'd stay silent down the stretch and that the Vols would come away on top.

What it meant

The win marked the end of Tennessee's home schedule. With the victory, the Vols had finished the season undefeated at home through the seven-game stretch. This included tough wins over the likes of Alabama along with other SEC foes.

It also put the Vols back on track after the disappointing showing against Georgia the weekend prior. Tennessee showed its ability to continue to dominate even though it took its first loss of the year the previous Saturday.

The win also kept the Vols high in the rankings before they'd travel to Columbia to play South Carolina. Even though they lost to the Bulldogs, a spot in the playoffs was still on the table.

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