Hooker throws three TDs, leads Tennessee past South Carolina

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Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) throws to a receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) outruns South Carolina linebacker Damani Staley (30) and defensive lineman Jabari Ellis (99) for a 45-yard touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) crosses the goal line ahead of South Carolina defensive back Marcellas Dial (24) for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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South Carolina quarterback Luke Doty (4) throws to a receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Former Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson holds up a plaque as his induction into the National Football Foundation and College Hall fo Fame is announced during halftime of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Former Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson waves to fans as his induction into the National Football Foundation and College Hall fo Fame is announced during halftime of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. To Wilson’s left is University of Tennesse Chancellor, Donde Plowman and to his right is National Football Foundation chief operating officer, Matthew Sign.(AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) runs for yardage as he’s chased by South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Former Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson holds a plaque as his induction into the National Football Foundation and College Hall fo Fame is announced during halftime of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Former Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson watches the Jumbotron as his induction into the National Football Foundation and College Hall fo Fame is announced during halftime of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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A plaque showing former Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson as his induction into the National Football Foundation and College Hall fo Fame is announced during halftime of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Tennessee running back Len’Neth Whitehead (27) crosses the goal line for a touchdown as he’s hit by South Carolina defensive back Jaylan Foster (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Tennessee running back Len’Neth Whitehead (27) celebrates with tight end Jacob Warren (87) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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South Carolina wide receiver Dakereon Joyner (5) runs away from Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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South Carolina defensive end Kingsley Enagbare (1) looks over the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NCAA college football game =T+ Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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South Carolina quarterback Luke Doty (4) escapes from Tennessee linebackers Jeremy Banks (33) and Aaron Beasley (24) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Tennessee linebacker Byron Young (6) chases South Carolina quarterback Luke Doty (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer reacts to a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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South Carolina running back Kevin Harris (20) is congratulated by quarterback Luke Doty (4) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

By Al Lesar

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — 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.”

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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.

Vols’ running back Tiyon Evans rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown before leaving midway through the third quarter with an injury. Tennessee led 35-0 late in the first half before the Gamecocks made a run.

“Hendon continues to grow into complete command of the run game, pass game and taking care of the football,” said Heupel. “The players around him have responded in a positive way.”

Hooker hit Jalin Hyatt, JaVonta Payton and Velus Jones for touchdown passes of three, 39 and 21 yards, respectively.

THE TAKEAWAYS

South Carolina: The ability to run the ball on a consistent basis is a challenge the Gamecocks have to navigate in the process of establishing a solid program under first-year head coach Shane Beamer. After gaining 254 yards in the opener, USC hadn’t rushed for more than 102 yards in its other four games. Against Tennessee, ranked No. 24 against the run, the Gamecocks gained 153 yards.

Tennessee: A program on the rise under first-year head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has proven it can be dominant among the bottom tier of SEC teams. The next step will come next week when Ole Miss, a quality team, comes to town.

CAMPUS SALUTE

When Tennessee’s 1998 national championship team ran into rough spots along the way, it turned to captain Al Wilson for his leadership skills. Wilson will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December. Saturday was his on-campus salute. A highlight of the festivities was Wilson leading the team on the Vol Walk, which winds through campus on the way to the stadium. Wilson, who wore No. 27, had his number painted on the 27-yard line on both sides of the field as well as a plaque on the bricks surrounding the stadium.

STILL LOOKING

South Carolina has been playing football for 115 consecutive years. This is the 30th season the Gamecocks have been in the SEC, joining the league with Arkansas. In those 30 years, they have rolled up a record of 99-137-1. Victory No. 100 could come next week against Vanderbilt.

ELITE COMPANY

Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter. He has thrown at least two TD passes in Tennessee’s last five games. The last Vols’ quarterback to do that was Tyler Bray in 2012.

OFF SCRIPT

Saturday’s Tennessee victory failed to follow the trend that had been popular in the last nine meetings between South Carolina and Tennessee. Since 2012, eight of the last nine games have been decided by six or fewer points. The teams had split those eight tight games.

UP NEXT

South Carolina: The Gamecocks may have their best chance to break into the win column in the SEC when they entertain Vanderbilt next Saturday.

Tennessee: Suffice it to say, there will be plenty of action in Neyland Stadium next Saturday night when the Vols host Ole Miss. Those two teams lead Power 5 teams in average plays per minute (2.89).

___

More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25.