Jarrett Guarantano made his first career start for Tennessee on Saturday. Things didn’t go as he would have hoped.
After leading 9-3 at half, the Vols sputtered offensively while allowing South Carolina to take the lead in the second half. But Tennessee had a chance down 15-9 in the final minute with four plays from inside the five-yard line. However, Guarantano and the Vols just could just not punch it in and the Gamecocks left Neyland Stadium with a win.
Here’s the final play, an incomplete Guarantano pass:
Guarantano, a redshirt freshman, was understandably devastated he couldn’t make a play to win the game.
South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley saw Guarantano was distraught, so he went over to his opponent to try to cheer him up. It was a really heartfelt bit of sportsmanship.
Sportsmanship, pass it on. pic.twitter.com/AJ2NmAnsM5
— Hale McGranahan (@Hale_SECcountry) October 14, 2017
Guarantano completed 11-of-18 passes for 133 yards in the loss. The Vols looked lost offensively throughout the second half and mustered just six total yards before that final drive. Guarantano completed four passes, including a 39-yarder to Brandon Johnson, on the drive to get the Vols in striking distance, but he just couldn’t make the last play to get a win for his team.
Tennessee dropped to 3-3 with the loss with an 0-3 mark in SEC play. Guarantano, who was elevated to starter over Quinten Dormady, should get plenty more chances as the season progresses.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
