KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Butch Jones of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Neyland Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. South Carolina defeated Tennessee 15-9. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Butch Jones wastes quarterback’s redshirt for three plays

Just a terrible coaching decision.

Tennessee faced its worst case scenario during Saturday night's game against Southern Miss.

The Vols entered with two active quarterbacks — starter Jarrett Guarantano and backup freshman Will McBride. McBride had redshirted through nine games, which meant even playing a single down would completely wipe away his extra year of eligibility.

When asked if he was willing to burn McBride's redshirt if Guarantano's helmet came off — which forces a player to leave the field for the following play — Jones flat out answered "he'll be in the game and ready to go" during his press conference earlier this week.

Well apparently he wasn't joking.

In similar fashion, Guarantano went down with an ankle injury late in the second quarter following a big hit in the backfield. McBride entered the game and lasted three plays before the starter returned to action.

Three plays, one incomplete pass and a burned redshirt.

As you'd imagine, Tennessee fans were angered by Jones' latest coaching lapse. Here's how Twitter reacted to Jones' decision:

https://twitter.com/BarstoolTenn/status/926974574570409984

Tennessee leads Southern Miss, 10-3, at halftime.

Editor's Note: Will McBride replaced Jarrett Guarantano for a second time during the third quarter of Saturday's game against Southern Miss and is likely to stay in the game after further evaluation.