Tennessee football: Five takeaways from 35-12 win vs. Missouri

2. Jarrett Guarantano’s had both good accuracy and decision-making.

Last week, Tennessee football allowed the South Carolina Gamecocks to stay in the game because it only converted one third down. The reason was Jarrett Guarantano, who had a solid stat line but missed on too many easy throws. Those misses overshadowed his solid performance in which he went 19-of-31 for 259 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers.

What stood out there? It was his decision-making. Well, the decision making was once again solid today. Because of the rushing attack, Guarantano’s arm was not relied on as much, but he was still 14-of-23 for 190 yards and a touchdown. We brought his runs two, which included two more touchdowns. Also, for the second straight week, he didn’t turn the ball over.

There was another dramatic improvement as well, though. UT went from going one-of-11 on third downs last week to going six-of-13 on third downs this week. In four of those non-conversions, they converted on fourth down anyway. What was the story? It was Guarantano.

On third down passes, Guarantano completed seven-of-eight passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. His accuracy improved dramatically, and that’s why the Vols were able to stay on the field and control the clock.

If Guarantano’s accuracy remains that consistent, UT is in great shape. His decision-making and toughness are clearly there, and the rushing attack is now unstoppable. This week was a major step for him, and nobody is criticizing his play after that game.