BRISTOL, Tenn. — After a subpar offensive performance against Appalachian State, especially by the the offensive line, things were supposed to get better for Tennessee’s guys upfront – right?

Well, after being down 14-0 on college football’s biggest stage, that line still had yet to perform.

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit called them out just before the second quarter against Virginia Tech. In doing so, he offered unsolicited advice to quarterback Josh Dobbs.

“At some point Dobbs has to get in the face of the o-line,” Herbstreit said. “Pass protection is not a strength of the offensive line.”

A message was delivered, all right.

But not from Dobbs. It came from his backup, a guy who didn’t even take a snap, and it spurred a colossal comeback in front of 156,990 – the biggest to watch a football game.

ESPN sideline reporter Sam Ponder described third-string quarterback Sheriron Jones’ sideline pep talk the best.

“The catalyst in the change in energy was the least likely of players,” Ponder said. “It was the backup quarterback Sheriron Jones, who isn’t even on the two-deep (depth chart), coming up to the offensive line saying ‘y’all promised us you wouldn’t do this.’ Things were getting so fired up that some of the offensive lineman had to hold him back.”

Jones, you recall, transferred briefly to Colorado following the Outback Bowl, but quickly came back to Tennessee after a brief few days in Boulder. NCAA rules allow for a student-athlete to return to the school he transferred from if he decides to do so within a 14-day window.

So the irony of Jones changing the chemistry and makeup of the game makes the story even better. The Vols never looked back after racing to a 45-24 victory at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“It’s not odd at all,” Dobbs told the Knoxville News. “Sheriron is an energetic dude. I tell him before each game to be my energy on the sideline. Keep me going, keep our offense going.”

The offensive line saw changes that included Drew Richmond being replaced at left tackle by Brett Kendrick. The redshirt freshman Richmond was beaten regularly on pass blocking. Sophomore Jack Jones came in at guard and was better at blocking and provided more energy from the entire line. Dylan Wiesman at center also provided more stability for the offensive line.

“We had some individuals that earned some playing time through their individual reps during practice this week, and Jack Jones was one of those,” Butch Jones said following the game. “Again we’re just looking for a spark, looking for some combinations up front.

“I thought our players really stepped up, we were able to run the football, but it was something that they earned playing time through their course and week in preparation.”

Their play, and a motivational speech from Sheriron Jones provided the spark.

“That’s how (Sheriron) is,” Dobbs told the Knoxville News. “He’s always talking nonstop. Not just noise, but being motivating and pushing guys.

“Getting on guys and pushing guys to be the best and go out and compete every snap. That’s the kind of person he is.”

Saturday, he made a huge contribution without stepping on the field.