close
close

Yiamastaverna

Trusted News & Timely Insights

    • Will Brooks changed Tennessee football against NC State with an interception
    Alabama

    Will Brooks changed Tennessee football against NC State with an interception

    Idris Bevan Posted on

    CHARLOTTE, NC – Will Brooks couldn’t hide if he wanted to.

    The Tennessee football safety was swallowed up by a throng of media in a tunnel at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, but his teammates saw him anyway and yelled “Willy B,” “Roommate No. 1” and “Yeah, Brooksie!”

    That’s life when you’re the Vols’ defensive gem and you make the decisive play.

    Brooks, the walk-on defensive back from Birmingham, Alabama, stormed 85 yards down the NC State sideline and into the end zone for a crucial defensive score. Brooks never looked back, and neither did No. 12 Tennessee (2-0), which crushed No. 23 NC State 51-10.

    “That was the last straw,” said Vols coach Josh Heupel. “It gave us momentum.”

    How Will Brooks turned the Tennessee-NC State game on its head

    Tennessee had a seven-point lead midway through the second quarter.

    NC State quarterback Grayson McCall completed a game-long, 28-yard pass to start a charge. The Wolfpack (1-1) ran 15, then 12, then 4 yards to get to the Tennessee 16-yard line, threatening to turn the 10-3 game into a 10-10 affair.

    Two Wolfpack receivers lined up to McCall’s right. One stayed straight while another drifted toward the sideline. Brooks kept an eye on tight end Justin Joly, who was creeping away from the line of scrimmage.

    “We played a great game from the top of the box,” Brooks said. “I was able to really hit my buttons and the ball just came to me.”

    Vols edge rusher Joshua Josephs pressured McCall, but paused when he saw the play. He jumped, and McCall sent the throw sailing over Joly. Brooks waited as the throw passed Joly.

    Brooks, the senior making his third start, charged to the sideline. He eluded McCall at the 25-yard line. He didn’t let anyone catch him and was escorted to the end zone by Joseph to give Tennessee a 17-3 lead.

    ADAM: I apologize for forgetting someone on the Tennessee football team’s defense in the win over NC State | Adams

    “I was just making sure I didn’t get caught from behind,” Brooks said. “I just wanted to make sure I finished the playoff.”

    Will Brooks’ touchdown was another outstanding play for the Vols defense

    Thanks to Brooks, Tennessee’s defense has scored more touchdowns than it has allowed this season. The Vols have not allowed a touchdown in three games since last season’s 35-0 Citrus Bowl win over Iowa.

    “I knew that was a turning point in the game,” running back Dylan Sampson said. “It had that spark.”

    Tennessee allowed 143 yards and held NC State to 39 rushing yards on 28 attempts.

    The Vols scored five offensive touchdowns, but at times their best offense was their defense. They started six of 13 drives on NC State territory. They converted two turnovers into touchdowns and one fumble into a field goal.

    It was an absolute dominance worth celebrating, especially Brooks’ loud moment. He made the 10th longest interception turned into a touchdown in UT history and the longest since Daniel Bituli caught a 97-yard pass at Alabama in 2017.

    OVERREACTIONS: Overreaction to Tennessee Football vs. NC State: Vols have better defense than offense

    His teammates probably didn’t know that. But they knew enough to praise Brooks and say good things about him as he faced a barrage of questions about his touchdown.

    Christian Charles, Brooks’ replacement, was one of those players. He was the one who gleefully shouted “Willy B.”

    “This is a special group and I look forward to playing with these guys every day,” Brooks said.

    They are obviously looking forward to playing with him too.

    Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilsonIf you like Mike’s reporting, consider a digital subscription that gives you access to all content.

    Tagged:

    LEAVE A RESPONSE

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Idris Bevan
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like

    ads