KNOXVILLE – Tennessee spent part of last week trying to find ways to slow a quarterback who’s had its number the past few seasons.
This week the Volunteers have a similar goal.
They visit Vanderbilt at 4 p.m. EST Saturday, which means they’ll face four-year starter Kyle Shurmur, son of New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur. The Commodores quarterback has thrown for 2,477 yards and 20 touchdowns with just six interceptions this season.
He’s been a thorn in the side of the Vols, compiling a 2-1 record in his three starts against them. In those games, he’s thrown for 908 yards and nine touchdowns, including a 283-yard, four-touchdown performance in a 42-24 Vanderbilt win last season.
“He’s a seasoned vet,” Tennessee defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. said Monday. “He’s started to get a grasp of that offense, and his players believe in him.”