Quarterback
Nathanael: A+
You couldn’t have asked for a better outing for redshirt sophomore Jarrett Guarantano. He posted career-highs in passing yards, completions, and attempts against an Auburn defense that had been incredibly stingy against opposing quarterbacks this year. Guarantano threw for 328 yards and two scores while completing 21 of his 32 pass attempts. He made good reads, threw perfect back shoulder passes that his receivers almost always came down with, and he faced pressure like a pro. Guarantano was phenomenal on third down, completing 11 of his 14 pass attempts for 188 yards on third down, picking up the first down nine times on those attempts. He was Tennessee’s MVP on Saturday along with the Vols’ receivers.
Ben: A+
I’ve been saying for weeks that if Tennessee’s offensive line can just be average, Jarrett Guarantano is on the verge of a breakout game. Well, against Auburn, Tennessee’s O-line was average enough, and Guarantano had a breakout game. The redshirt sophomore stepped up big for the Vols, throwing for a career-high in passing yards (328), completions (21) and attempts (32). His two passing touchdowns tied a career-high. Guarantano was even more incredible against pressure and on third down. He was 8-of-8 for 168 passing yards and a touchdown on 3rd-and-8 or longer against an Auburn defense that was giving up an SEC-best 153 passing yards per game. As a result of his performance, Guarantano was name the quarterback on Pro Football Focus’ College National Team of the Week.
