Butch Jones all but officially named Josh Dobbs as the Vols’ starting quarterback for this Saturday’s game at South Carolina.
Jones, during his weekly appearance on 104.5 the Zone in Nashville, pointed out that injured quarterback Justin Worley doesn’t have the “velocity to play at this level”.
I don’t foresee a situation in which Worley is ready to go by Saturday.
This revelation doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Dobbs played extremely well against Alabama last week and the Volunteer offense thrived with the sophomore quarterback under center.
Jones said this week that Tennessee was trying to get Justin Worley ready to play against South Carolina. Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian echoed those sentiments on Wednesday after practice, saying “Worley has proven his abilities in the past and if he’s healthy enough, he’ll play.”
Perhaps the Vol coaching staff was participating in a bit of gamesmanship with the Gamecocks and head coach Steve Spurrier.
The head ball coach didn’t seem to be affected by it. He said earlier this week his team was preparing for Dobbs. He even asked the media if Worley was healthy.
Tennessee seemingly caught Alabama off guard, according to Nick Saban, by playing Dobbs last Saturday.
They won’t have the luxury this week. But they might not need it.
Josh Dobbs gives the Vols their best chance to win. He’s improved a lot since last season and this offense is tailor made to his abilities.