By Jimmy Hyams
With 73 seconds left, Tennessee really had no chance against South Carolina, right?
Why would you dare think an offense that had gone dormant for 29 minutes in the second half would scare the end zone?
Next thing you know, Tennessee is 5 yards away from upending South Carolina.
Alas, the Vols’ red zone woes continued and Tennessee couldn’t find the checkerboards in four tries.
The Gamecocks escaped Neyland Stadium with a snooze-fest 15-9 victory over Tennessee, running Will Muschamp’s record against the Vols to 6-0 (4-0 against UT’s Butch Jones).
But perhaps Tennessee found a silver lining.
Maybe Jarrett Guarantano running a one-minute offense is just what the doctor ordered.
Guarantano was impressive on that last drive, with completions of 17, 39, 8 and 9 yards to set UT up at the 5-yard line with about 15 seconds left.
Pass interference moved the ball to the 2, but three incompletions ended the game.
“I definitely feel comfortable in the one-minute drill,’’ said Guarantano, who hit 4 of 5 passes until the last three incompletions. “I definitely think we performed that well. When we’re up and rolling, I think we’re pretty good at it.
“We’ll see in the future what we’re going to do.’’
That might be Guarantano’s comfort zone. But his inablility to make a play in the finals seconds left him “hurt.’’
It was interesting to see UT put the ball in Guarantano’s hands at crunch time, rather than rely on its best offensive weapon, running back John Kelly, who had 58 yards on 16 carries.
Twice, UT could hand handed to Kelly, with four seconds left, then with one second left.
But the Vols threw it both times.
“With four seconds left,’’ Jones said, “if we run and don’t get it on the final play, you’re asking me why we handed off.’’
Maybe so, but that seemed the more prudent option.
While Guarantano provided a bit of a spark (11 of 18, 133 yards) in his first start, the results were the same: No touchdowns. No offensive consistency. No win.
On deck for the Vols: No. 1 ranked Alabama.
If Tennessee can’t score a touchdown against Georgia or South Carolina, what would you expect against Alabama’s dominant defense?
Last year, Tennessee averaged 36.4 points per game and scored more offensive touchdowns (59) than any other SEC team.
This year, the Vols are averaging 21.7 points, which ranks no better than 100 in the nation.
UT’s run game isn’t as efficient as last year.
The pass game isn’t as efficient as last year.
The red zone offensive isn’t as efficient as last year.
You can cite a handful of reasons for the offensive deficiencies.
- Not having Josh Dobbs at quarterback. He bailed the offensive and the offensive line out of many a jam.
2. Not having the play-calling of offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, now at Indiana. Larry Scott might be a fine tight ends coach, but he’s not adept at calling plays – at least not now.
3. Not having a better offensive line. What was supposed to be a team strength borders on being a weakness.
4. Not having wide receivers who can get open, beat press coverage and make big plays.
Jones praised Guarantano’s play, saying his young quarterback showed “poise’’ and “made plays with his legs.’’
But not enough. One alarming stat: Guarantano was sacked seven times. The sacks were a combination of Guarantano holding the ball too long, lack of protection and receivers not getting open.
Can Tennessee win going forward (except against Alabama) with Guarantano?
That question might not be answered for several more weeks.
But here are some sobering numbers: In the last 12 quarters, UT’s offense has 12 points (four field goals), only 27 first downs, 210 rushing yards, 243 passing yards, 453 yards on 142 plays (3.2 per play) and 10 sacks.
Whether you want to blame the quarterback or receivers or offensive line or play caller, that is unacceptable.
And it’s the primary reason Tennessee looks no better than a .500 team.
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