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Here’s our weekly look at the SEC quarterbacks with most difficult assignments on Saturday.
JOSHUA DOBBS, TENNESSEE
Opponent: at No. 8 Alabama
Dobbs is coming off his best game of the season and has had an extra week to prepare for the Crimson Tide defense. But the way Alabama is playing lately, no amount of time may be sufficient.
The Tide defense is built to stop the run, which could put extra pressure on Dobbs to generate offense for the Vols. In a similar situation against Georgia two weeks ago, he came through wonderfully, throwing for more than 300 yards, rushing for over 100, and accounting for five total touchdowns.
But Alabama likely will be the toughest defense Dobbs has faced since this game last year, and the Tide has improved against the pass since then, as evidenced by last week’s four-interception outing against Texas A&M. Alabama enters the weekend as the conference leader in pass defense efficiency.
KYLE ALLEN, TEXAS A&M
Opponent: vs. No. 24 Ole Miss
In an ideal scenario, the Aggies would be able to shelter their sophomore quarterback from replays of three pick-sixes and rebuild his confidence by taking on a nonconference cupcake and letting Allen rip for about 400 yards. Unfortunately, the actual circumstances following last week’s loss to Alabama are quite different.
Allen has proven his natural talent, but he’s still in the early stages of his development as a quarterback, and last week’s disaster is the kind of game that can severely undercut a young starter’s confidence. The task in front of Allen, perhaps more daunting that an Ole Miss defense in dire need of a return to Landshark form, is to shed any trace of doubts still lingering after the worst game of his career.
JOHNNY McCRARY, VANDERBILT
Opponent: vs. Missouri
This one comes with an asterisk, because McCrary may have already lost his job. Coach Derek Mason stopped short of saying McCrary would be benched this week, but he also didn’t deny the possibility.
McCrary has thrown 10 interceptions with just six touchdowns this season and is next to last among qualified quarterbacks in both passing efficiency and completion percentage.
If McCrary doesn’t get the call this weekend, his replacement — sophomore Wade Freeback or freshman Kyle Shurmur — can also be subbed into this spot on the list, because facing Missouri’s defense is a tough draw for any quarterback. Though the Tigers have struggled offensively this season, their defense is playing as well or better than it did the last two years when Missouri won back-to-back division titles. They lead the SEC in points allowed, passing yards allowed and tackles for loss this season.
Brent Holloway is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia, LSU and Mississippi State.
