One of the biggest storylines of the first half of Tennessee’s game against Southern Miss was coach Butch Jones’ decision to insert Will McBride after starting quarterback Jarrett Guarantano briefly left the game with an injury.

Fans and media struggled to understand Jones’ decision to use up the possible redshirt season of freshman quarterback Will McBride to go in for what amounted to three plays against Southern Miss.

In a halftime interview, Jones said the coaches have great confidence in McBride and he was ready to go. SEC Network analysts Chris Doering and Gene Chizik each struggled to understand the decision.

Jones will likely face several questions about McBride’s role for the balance of the season in the post-game and next week.

McBride was 0-for-1 passing as Tennessee led 10-3 at halftime, while Guarantano was 9-for-13 for 102 passing yards.

Chris Doering: “Knowing as a player … I’m looking forward to having four years to go. I would be frustrated if I were him.”

Gene Chizik: “Yeah, that doesn’t make much sense. Give it to a tailback and buy Guarantano some time to get evaluated.”

Dari Nowkhah: “Only one person understands it.”