Tennessee QB Jarrett Guarantano had a rough showing against Alabama in a game that saw the Volunteers signal caller get hit a number of times.

Guarantano completed just 9 of 16 passes for 44 yards and an interception against the strong Crimson Tide defense. It was not a great showing, but Alabama kept the QB under pressure all game long. Guarantano was sacked four times and hurried eight times in the game, and at least one of his teammates understands that the Vols must do a better job protecting him.

Tennessee’s star RB John Kelly addressed the media on Monday, and he gave a positive review of Guarantano’s toughness on the field. Kelly did admit that the offense does need to do a better job at protecting the QB:

“He’s a soldier out there,” said Kelly, “And we definitely as a whole on offense have to make sure we take away from the hits that he’s taking.”

Kelly also addressed how he decided to speak up to the entire offense following practice. He said the offense, as a unit, must do a better job of protecting Guarantano and rushing to help him up when he does get knocked down.

Kelly did downplay his comments after practice and said it was just something that needed to be done:

“I just felt like it was something that needed to be said,” said Kelly.

You can hear all of Kelly’s comments here.

Kelly, Guarantano, and the entire Vols offense will look to put up a better performance against Kentucky. Saturday’s kickoff is set for 7:30 pm EST on the SEC Network.