Tennessee football vs. UAB: 10 keys for Vols and Blazers

9. Health of Vols quarterbacks

So once again, we wonder about who will start and who will play. Tennessee football’s depth chart is completely vague on that. With Brian Maurer hurt, JT Shrout got the start last week. Jarrett Guarantano then came in, and he was knocked out after spotting the Vols the lead for good. Shrout came back in and extended it. Both quarterbacks had a lot to celebrate.

Now, though, the health is a concern. We know Shrout is healthy. Maurer, who was the starter before getting hurt in two straight games, has been back at practice this week. Guarantano was limited. As a result, things are completely up in the air once again, and the health of the quarterback could be a huge deal against a team like UAB.

Look, these guys win with their defense, and they wreck quarterbacks. Immobile players like Guarantano are the most vulnerable, but the inexperience of Maurer also makes him vulnerable. With both guys banged up, that leaves Shrout, who is inexperienced an immobile. So UT could be in big trouble no matter where they turn.

The only way to offset it and give themselves options is to hope everybody is healthy and ready to go Saturday. Guarantano is expected to be ready to go despite being limited early this week, but questions are still out there when it comes to the health of him and Maurer. That could end up being disastrous. Jeremy Pruitt needs options, and injuries here are limiting them.