KNOXVILLE – Tennessee drew scrutiny for leaving its quarterbacks in the shotgun instead of putting them under center in short-yardage situations early in the season.
The scenario played out most notably on a trip to the Florida 1-yard line that resulted in a turnover during an eventual 26-20 loss to the Gators in September.
Against Kentucky on Saturday night, the Volunteers scored two touchdowns in goal-line situations by quarterback Jarrett Guarantano taking the snap from under center and handing to running back Ty Chandler.
Offensive coordinator Larry Scott said Monday night that Tennessee “always considered that” in regard to going under center.
“Those are some of the situations you’ve got to be able to climb under and say, ‘Hey, here we go,'” Scott said. “You’ll be seeing a lot more of that from us here on out.”
Head coach Butch Jones added that “that’s always been in.”
“We liked what we had in terms of numbers and leverage we had,” Jones said of Saturday’s goal-line situations.
Players avoid pushback
An effort spread through social media by some fans to empty Neyland Stadium for Saturday night’s homecoming game against Southern Mississippi in protest of Jones has been noticed by Tennessee players.
“I understand the frustration to some extent,” senior offensive lineman Jashon Robertson said. “We’re playing the game. But at the same time, I’m a senior, I’m from the state of Tennessee, I love this place and when I came here I came to play in front of a great fan base like we have.
“The only thing I would say to them is we appreciate all the support they’ve given us this year and we’re looking forward to them continuing to give us that type of support.”
Redshirt senior defensive tackle Kendal Vickers said of the campaign to empty the stadium that “they can do what they want to do.”
“It’s their right,” he said. “They can not show up if they want to. They can show up if they want to. We’ve got to go out there and we’ve got to play Southern Miss. That’s just our job. That’s what we’ve got to go out there and do.”
Daniel on Guy list
Fifth-year senior Trevor Daniel remains in contention for the Ray Guy Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best college punter. Daniel was among 78 named to the final candidate list Tuesday.
Though he was inconsistent at times during the middle of the season, Daniel’s 47-yard average ranks fourth in the country. His 19 punts downed inside the 20-yard line are the most in the SEC, as are his 21 punts of 50 yards or longer.
The candidate list will be trimmed to 10 semifinalists on Nov. 16.
Contact David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com.