To beat Alabama football, the Tennessee Volunteers’ offense has two choices and neither choice is a good one against the Tide defense.
On Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, the Tennessee Vols will look to score a touchdown on Alabama football. If the Vols accomplish that task, it will be the first Vols touchdown in October. Actually, it will be the first since September 23rd, against the winless Massachusetts Minutemen.
The Vols’ offense tallied two touchdowns in the U Mass game. They were just enough to knock off one of the worst teams in the FBS, by a score of 17-13.
That Vols’ victory led to thousands of angry Tennessee fans streaming out of Neyland Stadium long before the outcome was determined. Since then Tennessee coach, Butch Jones has changed his starting quarterback and reduced the number of carries by his star running back, John Kelly.
The first of those changes was embraced by Tennessee fans but the second change has been loudly opposed. The result has been two more Tennessee losses and Butch reaching virtual lame-duck status.
Run Kelly more or rely on the arm and legs of young Guarantano?
The obvious answer is to do both. Not that either is likely to have great success. The more complex question is what becomes the must-deliver option on crucial third downs and inside the red zone.
In the loss to Florida, Tennessee had seven plays inside the Gators 10-yard line. The result from those seven plays was three points. Not once did the Vols choose to run Kelly, though he was targeted on three passes.
Tennessee fans were livid. Against Georgia Tech, Kelly scored four touchdowns and rushed for 6.7-yards-per-carry. Despite his lack of carries in the red zone, he rushed for 141 yards and 7.4 yards-per-carry against Florida.
In the Georgia and South Carolina losses, Kelly’s carries were reduced and so was his effectiveness. Against the Bulldogs, he managed only 2.8 yards-per-carry. He was slightly better against the Gamecocks at 3.6 yards-per-carry.
Tennessee fans will not agree but giving him more carries against the Tide will lead to another less than three-yard carry average. Butch needs to shed that bad choice and embrace another option. Jones can put most of the game in the hands of his inexperienced QB.
Guarantano has talent. He has a good arm. He is mobile. The reason asking too much of Jarrett is a bad choice is the Vols’ offensive line. Tennessee is a middle of the FBS pack team in allowing sacks. The Vols have allowed 12 on the season. But that is 12 with a schedule that includes Massachusetts and Indiana State. Against South Carolina, the Vols gave up three sacks. It can be much worse against the Tide.
What can go wrong? A QB making his second start in Bryant-Denny?
Beyond the sack threat is the lack of experience of the young QB. He will start his second game against Alabama football. He will face a better pass rush and a better secondary than what he saw last week. And he will be doing so in a decidedly hostile environment.
Butch Jones has two offensive options and neither are good for attacking the Alabama football defense. Tennesse’s General Neyland coached in a time when a second or third down quick-kick was considered sound strategy. Maybe Jones should try that Saturday afternoon.
Next: The History of the Tide-Vols Rivalry
Will Butch Jones be employed on Monday? We not only hope so, if he can keep the game within three touchdowns, Jimmy Sexton should get him a contract extension. The Vols and Butch deserve each other.