The 2022 Orange Bowl is finally here with an amazing matchup between Clemson and Tennessee. While the Tigers have been one of the most consistent football programs during the last years, just behind Alabamasince 2011 in regular season wins, the Volunteers finally came back to the big stage.

Tennesseehad an amazing 8-0 start in the season with wins against top rivals likePittsburgh,Florida, LSU or Alabama. Then,Georgia, the reigning champions, ended that amazing streak. Even after that, theVolswere still alive in the race for the playoffs and, maybe, theNational Championship. However, with only two games remaining in the season, disaster arrived.South Carolinapulled a major 63-38 upset and the dream was over forTennessee.They finished 10-2.

Even though the playoffs are gone for Tennessee, the 2022 Orange Bowl is a great opportunity to send a strong message to the nation and maybe finish as a Top 5 ranked team. Nevertheless, in a shocking turn of events, the Volunteerswon’t have their best player on the field. Read here to find out why quarterback Hendon Hooker is not available.

Why is Hendon Hooker not playing for Tennessee vs Clemson in the Orange Bowl?

Hendon Hookertore the ACL of his left knee when Tennessee lost against South Carolina on Week 12. It was a crushing day for the Vols.They were oficially eliminated from the playoffs and their starting quarterback was ruled out for the rest of the season.

That’s why Hendon Hooker won’t be available for Tennessee to face Clemson.Joe Milton III gets the call in what will be his second start. He came in as a substitute in the final quarter against the Gamecocks and played in the last game of the season, a 56-0 win over Vanderbilt.

hendon hooker

2022 Orange Bowl: Why is Hendon Hooker not playing for Tennessee vs Clemson?