University of Tennessee Athletics
Vol Report: Focused On Alabama
October 17, 2017 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, senior offensive lineman Jashon Robertson and redshirt sophomore linebacker Quart'e Sapp spoke to reporters during Tuesday's media availability in the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio.
Guarantano, Robertson and Sapp discussed areas in which the Vols can improve and this week's game against No. 1 Alabama.
The Vols take on the Crimson Tide on Saturday at Bryant–Denny Stadium with a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS.
Guarantano Settles In As Starter
Guarantano completed 11 of 18 passes for 133 yards in his first collegiate start against South Carolina this past Saturday. He led Tennessee 73 yards down the field with under two minutes remaining in the game and was one completed pass away from leading the Vols to a comeback win.
"I think I played pretty well," Guarantano said. "I think there's a lot of things that I can learn from and I think that there's certain things that I could have done better. But all around, I think it went pretty well, but not well enough for the win, and that's all that matters."
On Monday, Tennessee offensive coordinator Larry Scott praised Guarantano for providing a spark to the offense. Guarantano, who had seen action last month off the bench against Indiana State, UMass and Georgia, said that starting the game helped him establish a rhythm.
"I felt a lot more comfortable being able to work around things," he said. "I think some of the situations that I was in didn't really let me get into a groove and that's not the type of player that I've been. I think just having that opportunity was soothing, and it also helped me out."
Sizing Up The Crimson Tide
The Vols are well aware of the challenge that No. 1 Alabama presents to any team. The Crimson Tide leads the SEC in scoring at 42.7 points per game (10th in the nation) and scoring defense at 10.1 points allowed per game (second-fewest in the nation).
Robertson and the UT offensive line are prepared for a tough test in the trenches.
"There are some similarities between (Alabama) and Georgia scheme wise," Robertson said. "They play multiple fronts, such as 'Bear' or even fronts. Just like Georgia and the rest of our opponents, we have to be really prepared for the different things they can do up front. They rotate in and out a lot to get fresh bodies in the game. We have to be prepared physically and mentally in that part of the game."
Defensively, the Vols will face the SEC's top rushing attack as Alabama ranks seventh in the nation with 302.6 rushing yards per game. The Crimson Tide features three of the league's top runners in Damien Harris (625 yards), Jalen Hurts (558 yards) and Bo Scarbrough (359 yards).
"Having a running quarterback, you have to really think of the options of extending plays," Sapp said. "So it does put a lot of stress on us and being able to fit the runs, fit the pass rush, and everything in that manner."
