Earlier this season, Vols head coach Butch Jones said in a perfect world sophomore quarterback Josh Dobbs would redshirt this season.
But we all know in the world of college football, rarely do such things go according to plan.
There’s a chance that starting quarterback Justin Worley won’t be able to play on Saturday, which means the Volunteers would have to decide whether or not they want to play redshirt sophomore Nathan Peterman or sophomore Josh Dobbs.
Some analysts have hypothesized that if Worley is only going to be out one game, then Tennessee will start Peterman, in order to preserve Dobbs’ redshirt.
However, it appears the Vols are prepared to burn Dobbs’ redshirt if Worley can’t play on Saturday.
Jones, appearing on 104.5 the zone on Thursday, said both backup quarterbacks would play if Worley is ruled out.
JONES: You need more than one QB in this conference. If Justin isn’t able to go, we would play both QBs if Justin can’t go on Saturday.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 23, 2014
This is purely speculation, but I think this translates to “Josh Dobbs is the starter if Worley can’t go”.
Which would absolutely be the right decision.
Josh Dobbs started the last four games of the 2013 season. He had plenty of moments where he looked like a true freshman, but he also showed flashes of the talent that brought him to Knoxville.
More from Vols Football
- How to Win a GUARANTEED $200 Bonus Betting Just $5 on the Vols vs. Florida!
- Tennessee Football at Florida: Five Keys to a Vols Victory
- Week 3 SEC Power Rankings: Did Tennessee Football’s Win Help At All?
- Week 3 AP Polls: Why Did Tennessee Football Drop in the Polls?
- Tennessee Football: Top Five Performers in 30-13 Win vs. Austin Peay
I’m not saying that Dobbs is the savior of Tennessee football. That’s not the case at all. But I do believe he gives the Vols a better chance to win than Nathan Peterman.
And that’s no sleight to Peterman. I just think it’s evident, after Peterman was ineffective against Georgia earlier this season, that Tennessee’s offense doesn’t respond well when he’s under center.
This could all be a moot point, however, if Worley is cleared to play on Saturday. The senior from Rock Hill, SC has practiced this week, which means there’s at least a 50/50 shot he plays.
Whatever ends up happening, it’s not a good spot for the Vols. Worley had to split first team reps this week, in order to make sure the other two quarterbacks would be ready to go if needed.
Tennessee will need everything to go perfect to upset Alabama.
And so far, this week has been anything but perfect for the Vols.