Quarterback
Nathanael: B
I thought Keller Chryst played a very good first few series when he filled in for Jarrett Guarantano after he left the game early because of the big hit he took in the second quarter. Chryst capped off that drive with a touchdown to Ty Chandler then threw a touchdown to Tyler Byrd on the next possession. He made some good throws, impressed with some zip on his passes, and connected on some back shoulder throws. I thought Guarantano was finally starting to find some rhythm once he left the game. Both quarterbacks had a turnover/really bad play, as JG got blown up and fumbled the ball and Chryst went down for a safety to start the second half. And after starting out 6-of-8 after filling in for Guarantano, Chryst went just 3-of-7 to finish off the game. Still, not a bad day for the Vols’ passing attack all things considered.
Ben: B+
All of these grades are relative to the opponent, which is why the quarterbacks receive a high grade from me. The quarterbacks, Jarrett Guarantano and Keller Chryst, were not the issue on offense against Alabama. It was the offensive line. The fact that Chryst and Guarantano were able to combine for over 200 passing yards and two touchdowns with the way the offensive line was playing speaks to their ability. Guarantano was 5-of-10 for 63 yards but didn’t receive much help. Marquez Callaway dropped a pass on third down and the offensive line didn’t keep him clean.
The positive story on offense was the play of Chryst, who received his first meaningful snaps of the season. Chryst was brilliant, throwing dimes and carving up the Crimson Tide defense. He showed exactly why Jeremy Pruitt brought him in from Stanford as a backup plan for Guarantano.
