Behind a glossy ambivalence over another heartbreaking loss, the words of Tennessee quarterback Justin Worley exuded confidence.
And who could blame him?
After the Vols just missed an upset of No. 6 Georgia in a 34-31 overtime loss on Saturday at Neyland Stadium, the junior took “some steps forward,” according to Tennessee coach Butch Jones.
“We didn’t turn the ball over,” Jones said. “Any time you don’t turn the football over, you’re going to give yourself an opportunity to win.”
Facing relentless criticism this season, boos at home last week in a win over South Alabama and a benching against Florida, Worley turned in his best performance to date on Saturday, completing 17 of 31 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown.
The most telling stat: no turnovers.
“All the guys are looking at me to lead them and to manage that offense, and we stress ball security and playing within our habits,” Worley said. “I thought myself as well as our offense did a great job today.”
After throwing three interceptions against South Alabama, Worley appeared renewed against the Bulldogs.
Mildly absent were the head-scratching underthrows — though some still reared their head — and in their place were bold, confident darts into his receivers’ hands.
Worley delivered on multiple third-down opportunities, firing strikes, stepping up in the pocket and sparking 277 yards of total second-half offense.
“I’m happy that I got in rhythm, converted some third downs in the passing game,” Worley said. “It hurts to lose, but you have to look at the positives sometimes.”
The positives were evident.
Included in that total was a 13-play, 80-yard drive that spanned 6 minutes and 42 seconds where Worley dropped a 26-yard bullet into the chest of freshman receiver Josh Smith on third-and-10 and a 28-yard lob to wide-open tight end A.J. Branisel on fourth-and-1.
“He can throw the ball, he’s confident (and) he’s got the intelligence to know where things need to be at,” senior running back Rajion Neal said of Worley. “I think he kind of settled in today.”
Worley found comfort in receivers Alton “Pig” Howard and Marquez North on multiple occasions, connecting with the two for eight receptions and 117 yards. The two accounted for over half of Worley’s passing total.
“They knew they had a big test coming into this game being nationally televised and all eyes on them,” Worley said. “They did a great job getting open and getting me some throwing lanes, separation from the defense.
“A lot of it was just pitch and catch for us. It was good to finally get that rolling.”
Georgia’s Aaron Murray carved up a porous LSU defense last week for almost 300 yards and four TDs. Against the Vols, Murray finished with 196 yards.
“We never gave up and we fought until the very last play,” Worley said. “I think you have to look at that as an outsider and say ‘this team is doing something.’ ”
