Criticism of Butch Jones mounts, but Jarrett Guarantano says players must take ownership of Vols' mistakes

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jarrett Guarantano spotted an open Brandon Johnson in the end zone on Tennessee’s first possession Saturday night, but Guarantano’s third-down pass sailed over Johnson’s head.

The Vols settled for a 30-yard field goal on the following play.

Guarantano completed 18 of 23 passes in UT’s 29-26 loss to Kentucky, but that early incompletion lingered with him.

“I missed a big throw,” Guarantano said. “I was a little high with it. We throw that every single day, and I make that throw every single day. I missed it today, and it hurts. It hurts me, because I know what I can do and how I can play.”

Missed opportunities is a good way to sum up the Vols’ loss to the Wildcats.

Tennessee had six red-zone trips compared to Kentucky’s four. But UK converted each of those opportunities into a touchdown. The Vols scored two TDs and settled for four field goals on trips inside the 20.

“We’ve got to capitalize on those opportunities,” Guarantano said.

The result was that Tennessee missed an opportunity to end a losing streak that is now at four games, its longest since 2013, Butch Jones’ first season in charge.

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In the aftermath, Jones fielded questions about his job security. He said he “absolutely” feels like he still has the support of athletic director John Currie.

“I believe in our kids. I believe in our program. I believe in what we’re recruiting,” Jones said. “And it’s one of those years. The only way I know is to keep working and driving.

“I will tell you this. Nobody takes more ownership in this football program than Butch Jones. I can assure you of that. I take it personal, because I want to win our fans. I want to win for our players. I want to win for everyone. You’ve just got to keep battling.”

Red-zone woes have plagued the team all season. The Vols have scored touchdowns on just 12 of 26 trips inside the 20, a 46.2-percent clip that is tied for 117th nationally.

Penalties and sacks are hamstringing Tennessee, too.

The Vols had just seven scholarship offensive linemen available for Saturday's game, with backup tackle Marcus Tatum added to the injury heap.

Tennessee quarterbacks have been sacked 21 times during the Vols’ losing streak. Additionally, UT is averaging 7.5 penalties per game during that stretch. Wide receiver Josh Smith's holding penalty erased Ty Chandler's 80-yard would-be touchdown run on Saturday. That drive ended in a field goal, too.

“Our margin of error is very small," Jones said.

Guarantano, who had his best performance to date while making his third career start, said the players must take ownership of the team’s struggles.

He said the Vols are aware of the outside noise regarding Jones’ job security but added that the players “all still believe in Coach Jones.”

“I definitely think he’s still motivating everybody,” Guarantano said. “He’s keeping a positive attitude. It’s definitely rough for him. I mean, he’s the head coach, and we’re losing football games – partially on our performance. It’s nothing on him. I think that we’re doing a lot of things that hurt ourselves – nothing to do with the coaches.

“Of course he’s frustrated, but he doesn’t show it. I think that’s what he’s doing a great job of. He’s keeping everybody upbeat. It’s hard. It’s hard, very hard to be upbeat at the University of Tennessee when you’re 3-5.”

Guarantano takes the losing personally. He addressed his teammates on Friday night.

"I said, ‘Listen, I’m 0-2. I’m the quarterback. My job is to win games. I’m 0-2. I’ve failed you guys,’" Guarantano said. "I thought today was going to be the day, and it wasn’t. So I’m going in 0-3.”