What To Expect From Vols QB Josh Dobbs Against Missouri
By Zach Ragan
Oct 26, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) drops back to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers are starting their third quarterback of the season today and folks couldn’t be more excited.
But there might be cause for at least a small amount of trepidation today.
After going against impossible odds last week against Alabama, the Vols’ game against Missouri seems more than winnable.
While I do think the Vols are capable of winning this game (remember I did pick them to win), we’d all be doing a major disservice to Missouri if we just assume the Vols will easily walk away with a victory.
Tennessee is still playing the #10 team (#9 in BCS) in the nation on the road.
Missouri is #10 for a reason. They’ve earned it. If not for a missed field goal last week against South Carolina, the Vols would possibly be playing a top five team today.
This is a dangerous team the Vols are playing in Columbia, MO today. The Tigers have plenty of team speed and a defensive line can wreak havoc in the backfield.
In addition to Missouri’s stout defensive line, this is a team that has forced at least one turnover in 38 straight games. There’s no reason to think they won’t be able to force at least one turnover against a young Tennessee team.
The circumstances that starting quarterback Josh Dobbs faces today are very similar to those that Nathan Peterman faced in his first career start against Florida on September 21.
We all remember how that went.
Josh Dobbs is obviously a better option than Peterman at this point, but it’s important to remember this is his first career start. He has very limited in game experience.
Dobbs’ in game experience against Alabama was very valuable, but now he enters a situation where great expectations have been placed on his shoulders.
I expect Dobbs to handle the pressure well today. I think he’ll execute the gameplan and make Vol fans proud today, but I do think he’ll have some less than stellar moments.
He is a true freshman after-all.
Vol fans need to keep their expectations in check today.
The future is bright under Dobbs, but you shouldn’t expect him to go out and look like a Heisman contender in his first start.
My Prediction For Dobbs Today
26-34 256 yards, 2 TD — 9 rushing attempts 43 yards