In a room full of talent, especially at running back, one has to be ready for the moment. No. 15 Tennessee football comes into Saturday with one of the best backfields in the country. De’Sean Bishop averages 122 yards per game. That is good for second in the Southeastern Conference and fourth in Power Four football.
But! It doesn’t stop there. The Vols are powered by a committee that can step in and go. Daune Morris has averaged close to a first down every time he’s touched the ball through two games at 7.9 yards per carry. Morris’ speed and shiftiness sort of put me in the mind of an Alvin Kamara. This week, he talked about being a part of this room and where he’s grown since last year.
“Honestly, I think my biggest step was mentally preparing and being ready for when the moment come, and just being patient and allowing everything to come to me and not forcing it,” Morris said.
Not only does he show patience on the field, but also as an unselfish player. In a position where you need and want the ball as much as you can get it, knowing that there is strength in numbers is a mature mindset to have.
“Just being patient, waiting your turn,” Morris said. “Everything ain’t going to come at once. But like I said, being able to put the work in at practice and being able to understand and just going out and grinding and actually working, it kind of slows everything down, and it slows the game down for you.”
The Vols’ running back group also features Javin Gordon, who’s carried the rock 20 times this season. Then, when you put in quarterback Faizon Brandon’s threat as a runner, the run game for Tennessee is one that has so many options and opportunities. This run game has been a dominant force. The offensive line hasn’t been at its best yet. That should raise an eyebrow to many. It should also serve notice that this won’t be an easy group to stop.
Saturday night against Kennesaw State, the last “dress rehearsal” before No. 1 Texas comes to town, I believe the offense will unleash a good bit. It won’t show everything. However, I am waiting for a couple of 100-yard rushers. That will only help Brandon with those downfield throws. He’s already shown the touch to make a few already.
To close, while the run has been effective, it still has its tune-ups. Running backs coach De’Rail Sims mentioned the small things such as overrunning the gap and having to correct. That split second could be the difference between a five-yard gain and a 20-yard gain. However, in those times they have shown the vision and agility to pick up positive yards and good yards at that.
I know everyone wants to see Brandon unleash Saturday night, and he does need those in-game opportunities before next week. However, I still want to see the run game dominate against Kennesaw. Give me a couple of 100-plus-yard rushers, maybe 50 or 60 from Brandon, and over 300 yards for the team on the ground. Tennessee has gained 200 or more yards on the ground 37 times since head coach Josh Heupel’s arrival. Saturday night should be number 38. It should also be the 30th win in a row when doing so.
