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2 minute drill: Justin Worley must see a repeat performance in Week 2
By Jason Hall
Published:
Justin Worley is coming off a career day.
In Week 1, the senior quarterback threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-38 passing. Worley connected with 11 different receivers in a dominant 38-7 victory over Utah State.
Against Arkansas State, Worley will need to see a repeat performance. The Vols face a talented pass defense that boasts two preseason Thorpe Award nominees in cornerback Sterling Young and safety Rocky Hayes. If the senior can match his success from Week 1, Tennessee should hold a favorable edge in the matchup.
Worley entered the 2014 season needing to win back the starting job he held prior to a season-ending thumb injury in 2013. The 2010 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year has struggled over the course of his collegiate career, with a lack consistency being his biggest flaw. At times, Worley has shown flashes of brilliance and struggled in other instances.
But Butch Jones has placed his faith in the veteran quarterback, saying he’s made constant strides on and off the field.
“His body of work this offseason speaks for itself,” Jones told SEC Nation’s Joe Tessitore last Saturday. “Justin [Worley] has started a lot of games and has elevated his game. It’s not just on the field, but also off. He’s handled everything exceptionally well and has proven to be a leader.”
The Vols look to be a team on the rise and will live and die on the arm of Worley. If he can consistently showcase his full potential this season, Tennessee will be a competitive team in a wide open SEC East. Against Arkansas State, expect Worley to have a strong performance against a competent mid-major program.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
