Jones deflects some sacks blame from linemen
KNOXVILLE — After Tennessee allowed four sacks in a loss to Alabama, running back John Kelly met with the offensive linemen and other running backs to talk about the need to protect redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Guarantano.
That message did not translate to better pass protection this past week, however, as the Volunteers allowed seven sacks in a 29-26 loss at Kentucky.
The Vols’ offensive line has battled thin depth and injuries all year but allowed three just sacks when Quinten Dormady was playing quarterback in the first five games. Since Guarantano became the starter, the Vols have allowed 18 sacks in their last three games.
During his Monday news conference, coach Butch Jones seemed to point more to Guarantano than the linemen as to why the sacks are occurring.
“When you look at it on paper, you say seven sacks, you think right away with the offensive line, but it’s a combination sometimes,” Jones said. “Jarrett needs to throw the football away, understanding field position and where we’re out. And sometimes it was a coverage sack where you have to throw the football away — sometimes not getting rid of the football quickly enough. Sometimes it’s missed assignments or wasn’t just on the offensive line.”
The line does share some of the blame, though, as some of the sacks have come from linebacker and safety blitzes the linemen and running backs fail to pick up.
Gaulden, Bituli can play
After both were ejected for unsportsmanlike penalties against Kentucky, Jones
announced Monday that defensive starters Rashaan Gaulden and Daniel Bituli will be available for Saturday’s game against Southern Mississippi.
Each of the two received just one unsportsmanlike penalty individually — Bituli right before the end of the first half and Gaulden with a few minutes left in the game — but they were ejected for those because players on both teams were assessed an unsportsmanlike penalty early in the first quarter. That was due to a scuffle on a kickoff that went for a touchback.
“It is very rare. I want to say it may have happened only one time in the SEC,” Jones said. “It’s a rare incident. But it was just something that, at the start of the game, the officials just wanted to make sure everything was under control. It gets back to discipline; we talked to our players about it.
“I thought it affected both teams. It took two of our best players off the field defensively, but again you also have to have restraint in that situation and understand that situation, and it’s something we’ll continue to talk about.”
Gaulden’s ejection put him in a negative light for the second week in a row. He was given an unsportsmanlike penalty for an obscene gesture made toward Alabama fans after Bituli’s touchdown against the Crimson Tide.
Injury report
Jones confirmed Monday that Dormady will be out for rest of the season because of a shoulder injury. The quarterback will having surgery.
“I think it’s something that has been bothering him for quite some time and he’s tried to fight through it but felt at this certain time that surgery was needed,” Jones said. “Very, very appreciative of him trying to battle and fight through it, and we’ll be there for him.”
Along with Dormady, Jones announced that senior receiver Josh Smith will miss the Southern Mississippi game after injuring his ankle in the first half Saturday night.
Offensive tackle Marcus Tatum, who didn’t travel to Kentucky due to injury, is doubtful for Saturday’s game also, according to Jones.
Jones said Kelly and linebacker Will Ignont, who were suspended for the Kentucky game, are expected to practice this week.
Contact David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com.