This seems like a bad time for a quarterback competition.
Four weeks into the season and heading toward a road game at No. 19 Florida on Saturday (3:30 p.m., CBS), Tennessee is looking for an answer at the most important position on the field.
Volunteers coach Butch Jones said he is evaluating four players, three of whom are freshmen. Justin Worley, a junior, has completed 35 of 57 passes for 372 yards and five touchdowns with an interception in three starts.
Jones might turn to backup Nathan Peterman, a redshirt freshman, or one of his true freshmen, Riley Ferguson and Joshua Dobbs.
“I don’t think it’s an issue,” Jones said Wednesday. “It’s just trying to put the best 11 players on the football field. We’re trying to create a competitive environment. It’s important to have a high level of competition every week.”
During last week’s 59-14 loss at No. 2 Oregon, Worley went 13-for-25 for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Whoever starts for Tennessee faces a brutal task. The Gators are fifth in the country in opponent completion percentage, 12th in opponent passer rating and 16th in passing yardage allowed.
Injury updates: Florida starting cornerback Marcus Roberson, who has a strained PCL in his left knee, hasn't been at full speed during practice this week but is expected to play against the Volunteers.
Tyler Moore, a versatile offensive lineman who started at right tackle the first two games, is recovering from an ankle injury, and coach Will Muschamp thinks he will be able to play.
Quarterback Jeff Driskel (sprained left knee) and right guard Jon Halapio (torn left pectoral muscle) have “looked really good” in practices this week, Muschamp said.
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