2. Quickness of Jarrett Guarantano’s decision-making
One huge problem with Tennessee football through three games has been Jarrett Guarantano’s decision-making and the slow-developing plays called when he drops back to pass. The combination of the two is the biggest reason the Vols are 0-2, as we can point to specific plays in both games that caused it.
Against the Georgia State Panthers, Guarantano was sacked and fumbled the ball when UT was down 28-23 because of a slow-developing play like that, and it set up GSU’s next touchdown to go up by two scores. There were many other factors in that loss, but that one was hard to ignore.
Then, when it came to decision-making against the BYU Cougars, Guarantano was late on a pass to Jauan Jennings in the end zone, which allowed the defender to hit him as he caught it, forcing it to be dropped. BYU’s only touchdown came after a pick-six in which Guarantano threw the ball into triple-coverage.
Simply put, Jim Chaney and Guarantano have to work to develop more quick plays. If Guarantano takes too long to make decisions in this game, or if he makes the wrong decision, he will get destroyed by an elite Florida defense.
Screens and draws to catch the Gators off-guard may be a good move early here just to get things going. Guarantano is in for a rough game overall, and the biggest reason he needs to think fast brings us to our final key on this list.