Rocky Topics: Does Quinten Dormady deserve to be the starter?

In the first edition of Rocky Topics for the 2017 football season, Sean Stumpfl and Seth Raborn argue whether Quinten Dormady deserves to be the starting quarterback going forward for the Volunteers.

Stumpfl: Is Quinten Dormady an elite quarterback? From his first few weeks of action, it is difficult to say, but with 674 passing yards to start the season, it would seem appropriate to say he is on the right track to lead the Vols. That being said, Tennessee has really struggled to dominate on the offensive side of the ball. The Vols killed Indiana State, but went to double-overtime with Georgia Tech and struggled to score against Florida last week until the fourth quarter.

One of the biggest takeaways from Dormady’s performance might be his lack of experience in high pressure situations. Dormady has thrown four interceptions this season, three of which against Florida. It’s not always right to assume, but it seems safe to say The Swamp got to Dormady. Playing against rivals is part of the job, and if it’s too overwhelming, a change might need to be made.

Raborn: It’s fair to say that Dormady had a rough go in his first career start in The Swamp, but let’s be honest, Dormady was under pressure from the Gators defensive line for the majority of the game. He also didn’t receive much help from his receivers. Josh Palmer dropped a wide-open touchdown pass and then ran the wrong route, leading to Dormady’s interception on the goal line.

Dormady was also going up against a Florida secondary that is one of the best in the nation with Duke Dawson and Chauncey Gardner roaming around. He had a rough go either way, but it was his third career start in his first hostile atmosphere of the season. I’m not excusing his struggles throwing the football, but Guarantano would have had the same problems in Gainesville last Saturday. Especially considering Guarantano went just 4-of-12 passing the ball against Indiana State a week earlier.

Stumpfl: Backup quarterback Jarrett Guarantano needs to get some experience before his first SEC start. UMass is currently winless and hasn’t played any top tier teams yet. If Guarantano can get some quality reps and find a level of comfortability, he may have a real chance of leading this Volunteer offense.

During spring practice, Dormady and Guarantano both seemed to be contenders for the starting spot. It was a tough decision that took Butch Jones until game one to name a starter, which delivers a sliver of hope that Guarantano may be the real deal. As a redshirt freshman, he has only seen the field a handful of times. However, Butch seems to think he has earned his stripe and deserves a chance to play. Only time will tell, but Guarantano may have what it takes to run this team.

Raborn: I fully agree that Guarantano has to get valuable reps in this weekend’s contest with UMass before taking the keys. However, in no way, shape or form is Guarantano ready to take the starting job from Dormady. UMass is the first game that Dormady will have a fully-for the most part-healthy receiving corps. The only receivers that will not be playing are freshman Latrell Williams and Jauan Jennings.

In my opinion, Dormady deserves to remain the starter through the Georgia game at least. If Tennessee loses in Neyland to the Bulldogs, depending on Dormady’s performance, giving Guarantano a chance is acceptable. Mainly because with a loss to Georgia, Tennessee probably won’t win the SEC East. Until then, Dormady deserves a chance to prove his worth with a healthy and talented receiving corps. Tennessee fans are too quick to throw in the towel on Dormady after just three career starts.

Edited by Ben McKee

Feature image courtesy of CBS Sports