Butch Jones on QB change: You need to score points in SEC

There will officially be a new man leading the sputtering Tennessee offense on Saturday as Butch Jones confirmed that Jarrett Guarantano will get the start at quarterback versus South Carolina.

"We felt Jarrett has earned the opportunity," Jones said, as per Mike Griffith of SEC Country. "You're always looking for what you feel gives you the best opportunity to win the football game. You need to score points in this conference."

Guarantano will make his first career start in place of Quinten Dormady, who got the nod for the Volunteers' first five games. The offense has struggled mightily in recent weeks, failing to put up any touchdowns in six straight quarters.

It's been a year-long struggle to replace departed star Joshua Dobbs at the quarterback position, with the passing attack ranked 91st in the country through five games.

While nerves will undoubtedly play a role in Guarantano's first start, the Gamecocks are 97th in the country in pass defense, so it's a solid opponent to ease him into the SEC.