Matt Slovin

mslovin@tennessean.com

KNOXVILLE – A day after Tennessee coach Butch Jones said quarterback Justin Worley wouldn't play Saturday at South Carolina if that decision had to be made mid-week, offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian echoed that call.

"He's getting better," Bajakian said. "But still the same (status for Saturday)."

And though Jones said earlier in the week that Worley might not play even if he is healthy enough, Bajakian made it sound as if he'd be in there if possible. That seems like a longshot at this point, however.

The alternative, Josh Dobbs, isn't such a bad one. Last week, with Dobbs under center, the offense came to life, posting a season high in rushing yards against Alabama thanks in part to Dobbs' contribution of 75. Dobbs went 19-of-32 for 192 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said this week that his defense was unprepared for the possibility of facing Dobbs, who hadn't played this season entering last week's game. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier surely won't let Dobbs fly under the radar once again, particularly with Dobbs' ability to run the ball.

"That's where he adds a little bit of a factor that Justin (Worley) does not," Bajakian said. "A lot of the throw game, zone-read concepts and gap schemes remain the same."

Bajakian also critiqued Dobbs' performance. He pointed out that Dobbs threw behind receiver Marquez North on a slant route that should've been an easy touchdown. He also overthrew targets.

Bajakian said he was pleased with Dobbs' quicker decision making.

"I have a lot of confidence in Josh," he said. "He went out and has areas to improve, but he did some really good things."

Perhaps most importantly, though, is Dobbs' ability to evade pressure behind Tennessee's offensive line, which has been the team's Achilles' heel all season.

"Josh Dobbs (was) helping us make it right when we were wrong," Vols offensive line coach Don Mahoney said.

Notable quote: Tennessee hasn't blocked a punt this season, but Jones knows a special-teams play could be the difference on Saturday.

After a successful, loud block during a punt drill Wednesday, Jones said, "Isn't that a beautiful sound — if we're on punt return?"

Uniform watch: South Carolina will be wearing black jerseys and black pants for Saturday night's game.

"Maybe it'll put a little inspiration in our guys, who knows," Spurrier said. "We need something to get us a little bit more motivated."

The Gamecocks have lost five of their last six games in black uniforms.

Injury update: Jones said on "Vol Calls," his weekly call-in radio show, that offensive lineman Coleman Thomas "is not quite ready yet." Marcus Jackson should return for the Vols up front.

Reach Matt Slovin on Twitter @MattSlovin.