Quarterbacks
Daniel: It’s hard to ask a ton more from Justin Worley. Every throw this season, with the exception of the one interception on a nice diving grab by ASU on Saturday, Worley has put it where his guy can get it or nobody is getting it. He started the game with nine straight completions, and though the passing game lost some of its rhythm in the second half, there were still some fantastic throws throughout the contest. His final line of 247 yards, three total TDs and one interception is the type of performance that can help Tennessee win this year. Grade: B+
Houston: Justin Worley was absolutely money when he had time in the pocket to set his feet and throw the ball. He finished 22-of-38 for 247 yards and two touchdown passes while also adding one on the ground. His interception was a pretty poor decision after being forced from the pocket, and came at a point in the game where Tennessee really didn’t need to try and force anything and risk giving ASU momentum. Considering the fact that he was under constant pressure, however, I thought Worley made some very nice throws and was probably the MVP of the game today – but you must protect the football in the second half. Grade: B
Reed: It was a tale of two halves for Worley. He was a 17-24 for 206 yards and two touchdowns in the first half but just 5-14 for 41 yards with an interception, a fumble and one TD in the second. His offensive line didn’t give him much help but he consistently made good decisions under the pressure with just one exception. Better protection probably isn’t coming in the next few weeks when the Vols will face three of college football’s best front-sevens. For the Vols to have success in the coming weeks, he’ll need to connect on a few deep balls to keep opposing defense from pinning their ears back and jumping the short routes. By my count, he’s 0-10 on pass attempts greater than 30 yards this season. Grade: B-
