Adams: Ainge best SEC QB never to start

A better question: Who's the best quarterback in the SEC?

You wouldn't be out of line if you gave the same answer to both questions.

Never mind that UT freshman Erik Ainge has played in only three college games. As a pure passer, he's arguably better than anyone else in the SEC.

And there's no argument on this: He's the best SEC quarterback who hasn't started a game.

Ainge began Saturday night's Louisiana Tech game as he did the previous two. He was on the bench when fellow freshman quarterback Brent Schaeffer was on the field.

But when UT's 42-17 victory over Louisiana Tech was decided -- as when the Florida game was decided eight days ago -- Ainge was on the field. Get used to it.

"They're both talented guys," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said of his two quarterbacks. "I think we're going to play with both of them all year along."

The coaches can make this quarterback business sound like an equal partnership. They can start Schaeffer again next Saturday against Auburn. They can even say they've got two No. 1 quarterbacks.

It's not what they say. It's whom they play when the game is in doubt.

Ainge replaced Schaeffer on UT's third possession with the Vols trailing 7-0. The offense was never the same.

Ainge showed his poise in the come-from-behind victory against Florida. He showed off his arm against Louisiana Tech.

No one was more impressed than Louisiana Tech coach Jack Bicknell.

"He's absolutely amazing for a true freshman," Bicknell said. "He seemed like a fifth-year senior out there."

But not your average fifth-year senior.

In the first three quarters, Ainge completed 10 of 15 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. His highlights were as impressive as his statistics.

On his first touchdown pass, he had no margin for error, arching a 13-yard pass over the defender into the arms of C.J. Fayton, who had just enough room to take one step in the Louisiana Tech end zone.

Ainge topped that a few plays later with his second touchdown pass. Throwing on the run, he hit Bret Smith in stride for a 60-yard touchdown.

He struck again on UT's next possession. Again catching Louisiana Tech in one-on-one coverage, Ainge passed deep to Jayson Swain for 42 yards.

By then, I was wondering what other SEC quarterback I would rather have than this guy.

Only three warrant consideration: Arkansas' Matt Jones, Florida's Chris Leak and Georgia's David Greene.

Jones is a terrific runner with a knack for the big play. But he's a better athlete than quarterback.

Leak is a natural leader and an accurate passer. And until Ainge showed up, he had more potential than any other quarterback in the SEC.

Greene, because of his experience and track record under pressure, is the only one I would even consider over Ainge right now.

Ainge's numbers after three games: 36 completions in 56 attempts (64.2 percent), 508 yards and -- most impressively -- eight touchdown passes and only one interception.

Not too shabby for a backup.

And not too shabby when compared with the early-season work of Georgia's preseason All-SEC quarterback. Greene has completed 45 of 82 passes (54.5 percent) for 583 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Like Greene, Ainge also comes across as well grounded and unassuming. In the postgame interview, he complimented his running backs, wide receivers and offensive line. He then thanked his support staff for calling the plays and signaling them in.

Then, just to let you know he was still a work in progress, he said he needed to improve as a practice player.

So practice harder, kid. You might turn into quite a quarterback.

John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.