KNOXVILLE – Jeremy Pruitt stopped short of igniting a midseason quarterback controversy Monday, but he did raise questions about Tennessee’s quarterback play while reflecting on the 58-21 loss to Alabama.
“We probably had more errors from that position than we’ve had all season combined,” the Volunteers’ coach said.
Starting quarterback Jarrett Guarantano left the game in the second quarter with an injury and did not return. He was 5-of-10 for 63 yards and was sacked three times.
Fifth-year senior Keller Chryst replaced him and threw for 164 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while completing nine of 15 passes and avoiding sacks.
“If you’re going to be playing against a team that’s as well-coached as Alabama that gives you multiple looks, you’ve got to be able to redirect the fronts and protection,” Pruitt said. “You’ve got to be able to know where you’re going with the ball, because they do a good job disguising it to the quarterback.”