Vols Quarterback Lands At No. 17 Of ESPN’s Power 4 Rankings

Image: Blake Harrell

By Aidan Sidoti

The national media absolutely HATES the Volunteers.

Joey Aguilar has been slotted at No. 17 in ESPN’s latest Power 4 quarterback rankings by Bill Connelly.

Are we watching the same football games, Bill? 

Aguilar currently leads the SEC in passing yards with 1,459 and is tied for the league lead in passing touchdowns with 13 through five games. His ability to stretch the field has been the signature of Tennessee’s offense, with Aguilar averaging 14.3 yards per completion while only taking three sacks all season.

Still, Bill Connelly notes that Aguilar’s play has taken a dip in recent weeks.

“After a nearly flawless start, Aguilar’s game has sprung some leaks of late,” Connelly wrote. “He has thrown five interceptions in his past three games and took a pair of sacks against Mississippi State. Still, he has brought the explosiveness back to the Tennessee offense… Not bad for a guy on his third school (and third offense) in 12 months.”

Aguilar’s ranking places him behind quarterbacks such as Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby.

Let’s take a look at how Sorsby fared against the only real defense he’s faced — Nebraska:

13‑for‑25, 69 yards, and an interception.

Yep, you read that right. 

69 passing yards.

That’s the quarterback ranked ahead of the SEC’s leader in yards and passing touchdowns?

Make it make sense, Bill. 

Aguilar hasn’t been perfect, he did throw two interceptions against Miss. State, but the idea that he belongs outside the top 15 while quarterbacks putting up 69 yard clunkers to NEBRASKA sit higher is laughable.

If this is what the No. 17 quarterback looks like, then the rest of the SEC better hope he doesn’t start playing like a “top-10” quarterback.