Vols Will Open Up Quarterback Competition & Other Notes

Sep 7, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) runs off the field during half time against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re one of the Tennessee fans hoping for a switch at the quarterback position, you may be in luck.

Butch Jones said today, during his weekly Monday press conference, that the team will open up the quarterback competition, saying “whatever QB has the best week will be our starter.”

Jones added “We would like to be able to create plays with our legs. That’s why you’ll see the competition with Dobbs and Ferguson this week.”

Justin Worley, the current starter, proved to be mostly ineffective against Oregon and has failed to impress during the first three games of the season.

Vol fans that are clamoring for a change, shouldn’t be under the impression that a switch will absolutely happen this week. In fact it likely won’t.

To bring out a true freshman on the road, against a bitter SEC rival like Florida, probably wouldn’t be the greatest idea. A poor performance like that could derail any confidence that had been built up.

Even though Erik Ainge, as a true freshman in 2004, was the last Tennessee quarterback to beat Florida, it wasn’t in his first start and it wasn’t on the road. Ainge got a start against UNLV under his belt before the Vols took on Florida in Knoxville. That team also had a lot more experience and was nowhere close to being in the same situation as this team.

So if a true freshman does come out under center on Saturday, I wouldn’t expect them to go on to beat Florida, Georgia and Alabama like Ainge did in 2004.

There’s no doubt that Butch wants the best player leading his team down the field, but he could be using the competition word as a way to light a fire under Worley.

As Jones said during his press conference on Monday. “Competition is healthy”.

Regardless of which camp you’re in, those who want a new QB, or those who want to stay with the current QB, one thing can’t be debated — Butch Jones isn’t treating this as “year 0”. Afterall, there’s only one Derek Dooley (thank goodness).

"Jones: Losing will never be tolerated or acceptable at the University of Tennessee."

Jones understands the deck is stacked against him, but he still expects to win every game, no matter the situation. That’s an attribute that can’t be overstated.

Notes: 

• Dontavis Sapp, Pig Howard and Johnathon Johnson are all expected at practice today.
• Trevarris Saulsberry is expected to miss 3-6 weeks.
• Jacques Smith is now listed as the starter at left defensive end (Jordan Williams was previously listed as starter)
• AJ Branisel is listed as the number two tight end, with Joseph Ayres out for the season.
• Gregory Clark is listed as Daniel McCullers’ back-up with Maurice Couch still ineligible.
• Jones offered no further comment on Maurice Couch and his status.
• Marlin Lane is pushing Rajion Neal at the running back position, according to Jones
• Florida opened as a 14 point favorite over Tennessee