Butch Jones mocked for decision to needlessly burn backup QB Will McBride's redshirt

An issue that was discussed this week by coach Butch Jones came up in the first half of Tennessee’s game against Southern Miss.

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Jarrett Guarantano briefly left the Southern Miss game with what appeared to be an ankle injury late in the first half. That led to backup quarterback Will McBride coming in the game because Quinten Dormady recently had season-ending shoulder surgery.

“He’ll be in the game and ready to go,” Jones said earlier this week of the possibility of McBride playing for even one snap if Guarantano lost his helmet.

The coach followed through on those comments as McBride went in for three plays against Southern Miss, including a near touchdown pass that fell incomplete. Fans for days had preferred the Vols use running back John Kelly in a Wildcat formation, or another option that would keep McBride’s redshirt in place.

Guarantano returned to the game and Tennessee kicked a field goal on that drive that gave the Vols a 10-3 lead, which they took to halftime.

It didn’t take long for reaction to pour in about Jones’ decision.

Wait Butch burned the kid’s redshirt?! https://t.co/h5ienPWQ9d

— Dr. Saturday (@YahooDrSaturday) November 5, 2017

I mean, he telegraphed that he would earlier this week. But to actually do it?

That’s the “hey I ain’t gonna be here next year” move.

— Dr. Saturday (@YahooDrSaturday) November 5, 2017

If you actually give a rip about a kid’s redshirt, how do you not have a temp wildcat plan if Guarantano goes out for a play or 2?

— Travis Haney (@travhaney) November 5, 2017

Butch taking a year of Will McBride’s eligibility doesn’t seem like “protecting the kids.” Butch can GTFO

— FIRE BUTCH JONES (@CurtleThaTurtle) November 5, 2017