Tennessee Vols backup quarterback Gaston Moore played one snap against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
And it’s a snap he’d probably like to forget.
In the first half, with the Vols trailing 7-0, Moore was inserted into the game when starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava was forced to make a visit to the injury tent after taking a hard hit.
Moore came into the game facing a third-and-nine. Most fans were likely expecting Moore to hand the ball off so the Vols could punt and play the field position game. Instead, a pass play was called and Moore, perhaps thinking it could be his one shining moment in a Tennessee uniform, went full Leeroy Jenkins!!!! and unleashed a pass into double coverage that was easily picked off by Alabama.
Not exactly a great decision there from Moore (though it should be pointed out that he threw that ball, across his body, 40 yards down the field….the majority of people reading this couldn’t come close to making that throw).
That one throw, however, certainly doesn’t define Moore as a quarterback. He’s well-versed in Josh Heupel’s scheme and he’s a talented player. We’ve seen that talent in mop-up duty and during Tennessee’s spring game.