Tennessee Turns To QB Dobbs

Tennessee QB Justin Worley went for as long as he could on Saturday against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium, but his thumb injury caused too many problems, forcing the junior to the sideline. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee pulled the redshirt off true freshman QB Josh Dobbs during the second half of the Volunteers’ game at Alabama.

Dobbs replaced QB Justin Worley when it became evident Worley simply couldn’t continue to play through the thumb injury he suffered last week in the win over South Carolina.

Fans have spent part of this season clamoring for Dobbs or fellow highly touted freshman Riley Ferguson to play. Neither had seen action this year before Saturday’s game, leaving the possibility of either or both taking a redshirt.

Dobbs has completed 4 of his first 8 passes for 72 yards. He has also rushed for 19 yards.

The freshman led the Volunteers on both of its scoring drives, including the first touchdown Alabama allowed at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2013.

Worley attempted to gut his way through this contest, but was largely ineffective. He completed 8 of 15 passes for 120 yards and 2 INTs.

Top-ranked Alabama scored 21 points in the first quarter and is throttling Tennessee, 45-10 midway through the fourth quarter.