I don't think many wanted him to fail. Every Vol fan wanted him to be as great as his physical talent said he could be. We spent a lot of time debating what issues were at play but there's no doubt that something in his mental or emotional make up prevents him from confidently processing information and making good decisions on time.
Maurer's TD to Jennings is the type of throw that should have defined JG as a great UT QB. He has more than enough arm strength and accuracy to place balls in that kind of tight window. Doing that puts a D on its heels. But somehow between pre-snap reads, post snap reads, decisiveness, and the confidence to make the throw... JG couldn't make those throws.
I argued much of the summer that JG was a half count late almost all the time. Looking at the "time to throw" stats from UGA... Maurer was literally a half second faster delivering the ball than JG has been this year.
He tried. Pruitt committed to him early to build his confidence. UT gave him an OC, Passing Game Coordinator, and QB Coach among the best available to try to work through his issues. I don't think it is possible to be a UT fan and be happy that all that effort went to waste. When it comes to making those snap decisions to throw... he appears not to have "it".
A lot of us saw it. I have never had a problem with JG himself. Some of his cult following though... yeah. The ring leader has predictably disappeared rather than have the courage to simply say he was wrong and those he attacked and accused falsely were right.