Missouri QB James Franklin Questionable For Tennessee Game

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin (1) scores a touchdown past Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Amarlo Herrera (52) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

When the Tennessee Volunteers take the field on Saturday against the Missouri Tigers there’s no telling who will be under center for either team.

The Vols will have to make a decision whether to start junior Justin Worley or true freshman Josh Dobbs.

Gary Pinkel and the Tigers won’t be without a decision of their own to make.

Franklin was injured in Missouri’s win over Georgia on October 12.

Redshirt freshman Maty Mauk finished the game against Georgia and led the Tigers to a win over Florida the next week.

Mauk started last week as well, a game that Missouri lost to South Carolina in two overtimes.

Franklin, a senior, was having a great season before his injury. He had compiled 1,577 passing yards to go along with 14 touchdowns to only three interceptions. He can also make plays with his legs, as he’s averaging 48 rushing yards a game.

The Vols, like Missouri, will have to prepare for two quarterbacks this weekend.

One of those (Mauk) is very familiar to Butch Jones.

"Jones: Well we were engaged in a great recruiting battle. Maty Mauk’s a winner. He’s the son of a football coach, so he’s a gym rat. He grew up with a football in his hand since the day he was born. I’d said he’s a winner and he’s a playmaker. He’s a very very talented quarterback"

Both guys will offer different issues for the Volunteers. Franklin is the more talented of the two and presents the more difficult matchup for the Vols.

But Franklin hasn’t played since October 12, so he could be a bit rusty in his return.

Mauk has been very sharp so far as the starter for Missouri and he can get the ball down the field.

Regardless of which quarterback starts for the Tigers, the Vols will have their hands full on Saturday.

UPDATE 1:36 PM et

The Vols will start QB Josh Dobbs on Saturday.

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