The Tennessee football team heads to Nashville looking for their sixth win of the season. Jarrett Guarantano’s health is a huge factor in the outcome of the game.
It’s Vandy week, and Tennessee football’s starting quarterback Jarrett Guarantano is day-to-day thanks to an injury he suffered against Missouri. He left the game in the first quarter after getting hit three times on the first three possessions.
You had to know this was going to happen eventually. I feel like we say it each year, but the offensive line is one of the worst I’ve ever seen. Guarantano is a tough player, maybe one of the toughest guys I’ve seen play quarterback, but week after week those hits start to takes their toll.
Everyone loves the backup quarterback. It seems like every year no matter who holds that position they are one of the most liked players on the team. And, fans are always calling for them to play.
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Some Vol fans finally got what they wanted when Keller Chryst got his opportunity to play significant minutes once Guarantano couldn’t return. Chryst showed everyone why he was the backup and Jeremy Pruitt never started him.
He finished the game 7-of-19 for 173 passing yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. The interception he threw right before halftime really changed the game, giving the Vols basically no chance to win.
Of course, there are still some fans that think Chryst is the better option at quarterback. I’m not sure how anyone can say that with a straight face anymore. His arm isn’t strong enough to make all the necessary throws and doesn’t make great decisions with the football. He’s thrown the same amount of interceptions as Guarantano with 170 fewer attempts.
I suppose you can make the argument that Chryst gets rid of the ball faster, but what good is that if he’s throwing interceptions? Call me crazy but give me Guarantano every single day of the week.
I’m not suggesting he is the best quarterback to ever play for the Vols, even though some of you think I only take up for the guy. I’ve only tried to make the argument that he was the best quarterback on the roster, which he has proved that much.
Offensive coordinator Tyson Helton has got the most out of Guarantano in a very short time. The comparison of last year Guarantano and this year is entirely different. He’s improved in every statistical category.
He’s thrown for 771 more yards and has completed more passes than he attempted last season. His completion percentage is up three points, while his yards per attempt is up a whole yard to 8.15. And, he’s thrown the same amount of interceptions (2) as last season with 78 more passing attempts.
And, as much as fans want to complain about him, he consistency ranks top-5 in the SEC in multiple statistical categories. Those categories include completion percentage (64.52), yards per attempt (8.15), interceptions (2), and QBR (147.83). Imagine what he could be doing with a decent offensive line.
Could the Vols beat Vanderbilt with Keller Chryst under center? Maybe, the Commodores defense ranks 98th in total defense by giving up 436 yards per game. So, there is always a chance, but Tennessee desperately needs Guarantano healthy to win the game.