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Tennessee football: 10 things Jim Chaney must do to improve Vols offense

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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10. Coach the quarterbacks to get rid of the ball quickly.

Tennessee football was actually in the top 50 among teams with fewest sacks allowed. However, they threw the ball less than 25 times a game. As a result, they weren’t going to open themselves up too much to be sacked.

Part of this was issues with blocking, but a lot of it fell on Jarrett Guarantano. He held onto the ball far too long at times, and that was why he took too many sacks. That was one of the reasons that he only threw three interceptions on the year.

So with Jim Chaney arriving, the first thing he should do is work with the quarterbacks in getting rid of the ball more quickly. It’s assumed that Guarantano will be the starter again next year, but even if he’s not, Chaney should be working with all the quarterbacks to make sure they are able to get rid of the ball in a timely manner.

With Will McBride transferring and Keller Chryst finishing up his eligibility, Guarantano is the only returner with any experience at the FBS level. But JT Shrout redshirted this year and will be in the mix in 2019, as will three-star incoming commitment Brian Maurer.

All three guys should see a lot of work in getting rid of the ball more quickly. Their arms aren’t the problem if you’ve seen their highlights. But a quick release and the right decision making to go with it is what will make the passing game a success.

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