Virginia Tech has a Lynn Bowden of its own. How similar is he to Kentucky’s MVP?
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UK in the 2019 Belk Bowl
The University of Kentucky will play Virginia Tech in the 2019 Belk Bowl on Dec. 31. Read more about the Wildcats’ opponent and destination.
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Virginia Tech’s season mirrored Kentucky’s in at least one aspect.
Sophomore Hendon Hooker is 6-1 as the Hokies’ starting quarterback, a role he assumed beginning with Virginia Tech’s game at Miami on Oct. 5 (he missed their game at Notre Dame — a 21-20 loss on Nov. 2). The former four-star high school recruit proved to be the gasoline Virginia Tech needed to ignite following a 2-2 start to the season; it has averaged nearly 100 more yards of offense per game in his seven starts (427) compared to the five games in which he didn’t (338).
Sounds a lot like someone with whom Kentucky fans might be pleasantly familiar, huh?
Hooker was touted as a top-25 quarterback in the class of 2017, so his ascension is not quite as dramatic as that of former wide receiver Lynn Bowden, but the teams’ respective turn of fortunes are comparable. Kentucky was 2-3 through five games before Eddie Gran re-assembled the Wildcats’ offense around Bowden with two weeks to get ready for Arkansas; the Ohio native rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns in a come-from-behind win, the first of five he’d lead UK to in seven starts after options No. 1 and No. 2 — incumbent starter Terry Wilson and newly minted backup Sawyer Smith — were sidelined by injuries.
Bowden has been a dynamite rusher, averaging 102.9 yards per game this season. If he were to gain at least 215 yards against the Hokies, he’d finish with a higher rushing total this season than any of the three posted by career rushing leader Benny Snell in his time as a Wildcat. Bowden rushed for 284 yards in his last outing and his legs have had a month to rest, so don’t discount the possibility.
Hooker can take off for big gains but is nowhere near as efficient as Bowden — he’s averaging 2.8 yards per carry to Bowden’s 8.2. Where he outclasses the UK junior is the passing game: Hooker has thrown for 1,445 yards and 11 touchdowns on 87-for-140 passing with only two interceptions.
Bowden was barely asked to throw the ball down the stretch: after attempting 26 passes in his first two starts, Bowden threw only 32 in UK’s final five games of the regular season. His best day as a tosser came at Vanderbilt, when he finished 8-for-10 for 104 yards with a TD pass, but overall he’s 29-for-62 with two TDs and two interceptions.
“We’re gonna be balanced in this game,” Kentucky co-offensive coordinator Eddie Gran said with a grin following UK’s practice Saturday. “Nice and balanced.”
Gran suggested there will be wrinkles in store Tuesday but also that it’s possible to get carried away if you attempt to install too much that deviates from what got you to the postseason.
“Our kids know what to do,” Gran said. “They’re playing fast. I love where we’re at right now.”
It’s easy to assume that, since UK’s defenders see Bowden in practice regularly, going up against Hooker won’t be too strange. But, says defensive coordinator Brad White, because full-contact hits aren’t made during scout drills, it’s easier to stop a running quarterback in practice than in a game, and figuring out how many good habits have been built can be tricky.
“When you’re sitting there in a game and he runs through that tackle or over that tackle, a lot of times that’s what the play’s designed for,” White said. “‘Lynn, you’re gonna have a one-on-one with this one guy and if you make him miss we’re gonna have a big play.’ Hooker’s got the ability to make you miss as well. A little bit longer, lankier guy when compared to Lynn. They each present different challenges, but the same challenge in that you’ve got to account for ’em and it requires an extra hat to account for ’em.”
Shopping spree
Kentucky’s players were treated to a shopping spree at a Belk store in Charlotte on Saturday night. They were given $440 gift cards as well as coupons that helped their money go a little further.
Early during the visit, Bowden and wide receiver Clevan Thomas made their way to the kids’ section to find some things for Bowden’s young son. Thomas was his “consultant.”
“He’s a designer, man,” Bowden said. “You walk into his closet and you might walk out another person.”
Belk Bowl
Kentucky vs. Virginia Tech
When: Noon Tuesday
Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
Records: UK 7-5; Virginia Tech 8-4
TV: ESPN
This story was originally published December 30, 2019 at 7:03 AM.
