6. Ability of Vols quarterbacks to limit mistakes
Everybody knows about this being an issue. Tennessee football is outside of the top 100 in limiting interceptions, as they have thrown 10 on the season. Even while turning a corner in recent weeks, they have not been able to consistently avoid making big mistakes, regardless of who is playing for them at the position. It’s been a roller coaster ride for all three of them.
Last week, Jarrett Guarantano had a fumble and threw an interception in the red zone as the first half drew to a close. JT Shrout, who only played two meaningful series the whole game, the opening drives to the first and second halves, also nearly had an interception by throwing a pass into double coverage at one point.
Brian Maurer has three starts on the season, but he has two touchdowns to five interceptions. So he has struggled severely as well. Simply put, whomever the Vols put behind quarterback, they will need to avoid big mistakes. This position alone cost them at least one game, against the BYU Cougars. And they can’t let that happen on Saturday.
The Kentucky Wildcats may only have intercepted five passes on the season, but they can cash in on quarterbacks who make lots of mistakes. Jim Chaney has been good about playing conservative in recent weeks when he has to, and he’ll probably focus on doing that again. But even with that game plan, the Vols need their quarterbacks to avoid mistakes at all costs.