Hooker throws three TDs, leads Tennessee past South Carolina

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- , Part of the growth process of a college football program is getting the players to believe. Tennessee's last two Southeastern Conference victories have played a significant role in the development of first-year coach Josh Heupel's team. The Volunteers' (4-2, 2-1) 45-20 victory over South Carolina (3-3, 0-3) Saturday was the first time since 2016 that they have scored more than 40 points (including a 62-24 win over Missouri last week) in back-to-back SEC games. “Our guys care about each other,” Heupel said. “They're prideful; growing really good habits. Just like I said last week, a win like this helps with the buy-in. If the players buy into the process, the results will come.” Quarterback Hendon Hooker has been a big part of the buy-in. The Virginia Tech transfer, now 3-1 as a starter, threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another.