Dobbs sparks Vols offense against Alabama

Earlier in the week, Vol fans heard from Butch Jones that, if injury kept starting quarterback Justin Worley from playing, there was a possibility we would see both Nathan Peterman and Joshua Dobbs get playing time this Saturday against Alabama. As game time drew closer, fans wondered who would get the start.

Redshirt sophomore Nathan Peterman drew his second career start Saturday against 4^th ranked Alabama, but was quickly replaced after two series by true sophomore Joshua Dobbs. With the burning of his redshirt, and the entry of Dobbs at quarterback, a spark came from the Vols offense.

After being down 27-0 in the second quarter, the offense put their first points on the board. Dobbs connected with freshman receiver Josh Malone from 9 yards out for the first Tennessee touchdown of the game. After the extra point, the Vols were on the board 27-7 with 7:03 left to go in the half. At this point, though, the Vols offense was not finished.

Freshman Aaron Medley put a 27 yard field goal through the up-rights to send the Vols into the half down 27-10.

Two thirds of the way into the third quarter, receiver Von Pearson caught a nine-yard pass from Dobbs, that, with the made extra point, moved the Vols within 10 points at 27-17. At this point, Tennessee had scored 17 unanswered points.

Tennessee didn’t score again until Medley’s 24-yard field goal in the 4^th quarter to make the score 34-20, Alabama. This would be the final score of the game.

Dobbs, as the relief quarterback, finished the game with 192 yards passing and 75 yards rushing. With the high rushing yardage by Dobbs, the Vols rushed for 181 yards—the most allowed by Alabama this season.

Though Worley’s status moving forward is unsure, the poise and efficiency of Dobbs this weekend seemed to be enough to earn him the starting spot next week at South Carolina if Worley is unable to go.

Edited by Will Lomas