Joshua Dobbs: Saturday’s game will prove if the hype is real
By Jason Hall
Published:
What a difference a few weeks makes.
Before earning SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors and guiding Tennessee to its biggest win of 2014, Robert Joshua Dobbs was an average backup quarterback. In fact, many Vols fans were unsure of the team’s future after senior Justin Worley’s departure. But that’s how fast things can change in college football.
Dobbs, who didn’t see action until Week 9, has gained national attention after impressive showings against Alabama and South Carolina. In Week 10, the sophomore became the first quarterback in school history to throw for 300 yards and rush for 100 in the same game. Dobbs led a 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter to defeat the Gamecocks at home for the first time since 2006.
Tennessee is two wins away from making its first bowl since 2010. The Vols haven’t had a winning record since 2009. Dobbs’ recent play has brought hope to a fanbase yearning for a turnaround.
Tennessee fans have put their faith in Dobbs to guide the team’s rebuilding process. The sophomore’s hype has grown since his historic performance and shows no signs of slowing down.
But is the hype justified? Dobbs’ first start is among the best in Tennessee’s rich history. However, he will need another standout performance to prove his legitimacy as an elite quarterback.
On Saturday, Dobbs will face a Kentucky defense that features several veteran players, including senior pass rusher Alvin “Bud” Dupree. Though the Wildcats have struggled, they present a tougher matchup than South Carolina’s No. 120 overall pass rush.
Dobbs has the opportunity to prove that Week 10 was more than a fluke. The sophomore has the chance to lead Tennessee to an eight-win season should they win out. Although many fans will tell you he’s already proven his worth, Saturday’s game will answer whether the hype surrounding Dobbs is real.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
