Protect Jarrett Guarantano
I believe that Jarrett Guarantano is on the verge of a breakout game, a game in which he’s recognized nationally. The Tennessee quarterback has the tools at his disposal for that game to come against Florida. But similar to establishing the run, that will only happen if Tennessee’s offensive line holds up.
Guarantano has played much better this season than his stats indicate. The redshirt-sophomore is completing 72.2 percent of his passes, second behind only Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He’s been able to be accurate with the football because his offensive line has given him time to get rid of it. Helton has also done a nice job of calling plays that require Guarantano to get the ball out quickly.
This season, by my count, Tennessee has not allowed more than three pressures on Guarantano in a game once this season. That allowed the New Jersey native to be 7-of-8 for 113 yards and a touchdown against the blitz against UTEP, and he’s 4-of-8 for 184 yards on deep balls.
Against Florida safeties that have struggled in coverage to start the season, the opportunity for Tennessee to take deep shots off of play-action will present itself. According to Pro Football Focus, in the past two weeks, three Florida safeties – Jeawon Taylor, Donavon Siner, Brad Stewart – have allowed an NFL quarterback passer rating above 100 when targeted in coverage.
If Tennessee’s offensive line can protect Guarantano, the Vol’s quarterback will have plenty of opportunities to have a big game.
