The rain and storm shortened Orange and White Celebration has come and gone and it didn't provide any answers as to who might have won jobs this fall.
I know some press outlets and a certain portion of the fan base seem to think Quinten Dormady separated himself from Jarrett Guarantano during Saturday's festivities, but let me assure you nothing could be further from the truth.
Sure, Dormady was 10-10 with a pair of TD's compared to Guarantano's 4-5 for 41 yards and no TD's, but again, It didn't mean a thing. The secondary was staying behind the WR's and not breaking on balls. They were playing as soft as the Pillsbury Doughboy's gut. This was nothing more than pitch and catch in the backyard.
There was no way for Guarantano to show off his ability to run the ball on the read option, and he was handicapped from being able to make something happen by extending plays.
This is one time you can take Coach Butch Jones on his word. It wasn't just coach speak when he said the QB competition will continue into the summer and fall camp, that nobody separated themselves at the position Saturday.
One thing that is assuring to me is the fact that Coach Jones has done a great job in recruiting QB talent. There are not many schools in the country that wouldn't love to have Quinten Dormady or Jarrett Guarantano on their roster and in the starting line-up.
Both of these kids have a cannon for an arm and both have the smarts to play the position at a high level. It's both of these guys that give me real hope for a good 2017 season, because I believe it all starts and ends with having a great Quarterback.
I'll be honest with you, I don't think this QB race is going to be decided this summer on the practice field. I think both are going to play in the first couple of games and we may find out that these two could split time all season. I think that's a real possibility.
Two QB's Isn't A Problem:
While I prefer playing one QB, a two QB system can work if it's managed correctly. I seem to remember Florida doing it really well with Chris Leak and Tim Tebow. It's going to be interesting seeing how this thing plays out and like I said, don't be surprised if these guys are 1a and 1b all season long.
As far as other positions and who might be nailing down a starting job, there's no way I could make heads or tails out of anything we witnessed on Saturday. We had too many guys sitting it out with injuries and the defense was handicapped to the point of merely just going through the motions.
Change The Format:
I'd really love to see us change the format of the Orange and White game in the future. This notion that you can't play a real game is nothing but hogwash. Alabama sure plays a real game in the spring, and I haven't seen it stunt their growth one bit. Saban gives the fans and a national television audience 3 - 3 1/2 hours of real live football. I wish we'd do the same!
Back To Basics Butch?
I'd play a real game in the spring and I'd do an open practice in August just like Butch did in his first 3 years here. Before the open practice is when I'd celebrate everything Orange with autograph and picture opportunities and whatnot.
Bring Back Butch's Bar B Que:
Speaking of the open practice, I'd like to see Butch give us one this summer. Why he decided to ditch it last year is anyone's guess, but I thought this was a good thing and quite frankly I enjoyed it just as much as any Orange and White game.
UT Baseball Facing Relegation?
Moving on from football, the Baseball Vols dropped another series over the weekend. This time it was Texas A&M to take 2 of 3 from us. This has become a train wreck and it's time to cut the cord. I'm calling for Dave Serrano to step aside and resign. I think this would be a good thing at this point. Maybe it throws a spark into the team, but even if it doesn't, it's time to close this chapter of Tennessee Baseball under Serrano's watch.
I don't think you'll see John Currie step in to fire him because Dave's contract expires at the end of the season anyways. I was talking baseball with our own Brian Hartman over the weekend and Brian seems to think this will be the strategy Currie takes. The season ends and all Currie has to do is say Serrano's contract has expired and we're not going to renew it. I concur with Brian. This is the most likely scenario, but before this thing has a chance to get nasty, I think it's best for Dave to go ahead and resign on his own accord.
Loooooong Week?
The Baseball Vols take on ETSU this Wednesday at Smokies Stadium before heading to Nashville this weekend to take on Vanderbilt. I'm afraid it's going to be another long week around here on the baseball diamond.
Lady Vol Softball Represents!
Hats off to the Lady Vols softball team. What a run they just came off, winning 20 in a row before LSU snapped our streak with a 1-0 victory. Ralph and Karen Weekly continue to carry the banner for all sports on campus with their success.
This weekend the Lady Vols take on the #1 ranked Florida Gators here in Knoxville. I would encourage all Vols fans to get out to Lee Stadium to support our women. This is the last regular season series at home this year and it's going to be a dandy. Game times are 6pm on Friday, 2pm on Saturday and it's a 1pm start on Sunday.
That's all for this week and if you have any questions or comments for me, you can find me on Twitter @TheVolColonel
Have a Great Day and Go Big Orange!
Your Vol Colonel
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