New Tennessee QB Brian Maurer got off to a great start against Georgia on Saturday night, and breathed new life into the Vols program. Despite the loss, Maurer reached out to fans to show his appreciation and vow to keep working.

“Vol Nation, Thank you for always showing up and supporting us,” he tweeted. “You guys have no idea how much you mean to us, I promise that as a team we are working to get back on the right track.
Please continue to show up and support us, Thank you.”

Maurer was 14-of-28 passing for 259 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. That was his first career start and he sparked an offense that had been stagnant under Jarrett Guarantano. Tennessee (1-4) has lost the last six games to FBS opponents, and next faces Mississippi State in Neyland Stadium.

After the game, coach Jeremy Pruitt wouldn’t commit to Maurer starting again this week, at least until he watched the film.

But if the crowd had a vote, it likely would lean Maurer after he connected with Marquez Callaway for a 73-yard touchdown that brought the Vols fans out of their seats. Then the Vols took the lead, 14-10, when Maurer hit Jauan Jennings early in the second quarter. It’s more energy than the Tennessee offense has shown this season, and certainly more noise from the Neyland faithful in recent memory.