Quarterback
Nathanael: B+
Brian Maurer’s play in the first half brings this grade down a little. The true freshman didn’t play horribly by any means, but he certainly wasn’t efficient and struggled not only to throw the ball consistently, but also to make the right RPO reads and to switch to the correct runs.
Jarrett Guarantano, however, played an “A” game himself. The redshirt junior completed his first seven passes and tossed two touchdowns along with 115 yards. He played the most confident I’ve ever seen him play, and he was making some of the best throws he’s ever made, too. All in all, this might’ve been his best performance of the season, especially considering he had a bum left wrist.
Ben: B+
The quarterbacks as a whole don’t get an ‘A’ because Brian Maurer didn’t look all that great. Jarrett Guarantano did, however. The redshirt junior quarterback entered in relief following halftime and sparked the Tennessee offense. Guarantano helped the Vols outscore Kentucky 14-0 in the third quarter, which ultimately won the Vols the game. He was at his very best against Kentucky and should be the starting quarterback against Missouri following the bye week.
