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Tennessee vs South Carolina: 5 Vols to Watch for vs Gamecocks

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 17, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) hands the ball off to running back Jalen Hurd (1) during the second half against the Ohio Bobcats at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 28 to 19. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) hands the ball off to running back Jalen Hurd (1) during the second half against the Ohio Bobcats at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 28 to 19. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

He’s the leader. He’s the star. And Joshua Dobbs has emerged as clearly the most valuable player for Tennessee football this year. It’s not just because he’s the quarterback.

Dobbs is the emotional leader and the guy who inspires everybody else. Tennessee vs South Carolina is another huge game for him to shine.

As we’ve already mentioned, Will Muschamp’s team has struggled recently at stopping the run. Dobbs, despite being a quarterback, has succeeded in turning Tennessee into a dominant rushing offense. He’s going to have to do more of that on Saturday against the Gamecocks.

At the same time, Dobbs will have to make some key throws to guys like Jauan Jennings, Josh Malone, Josh Smith, Tyler Byrd, Ethan Wolf, and Jason Croom. South Carolina still feeds off turnovers, but if Dobbs can keep them honest, he should have an easier time making plays.

Keeping the South Carolina defense honest all comes down to Dobbs, as his dual-threat abilities are going to be crucial.

He also has to make sure he is not careless with the football. Last year, Dobbs had problems fumbling it. This year, he’s had problems avoiding interceptions.

Neither of those things can happen for the Vols to win on Saturday. Simply put, the Vols need the best they can get from Dobbs.

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