Running Backs
Daniel: This position is tough to grade. They only took 16 handoffs as a unit and on several of those, they were met in the backfield before they could even get going. I did like what Jalen Hurd did on a few carries. He runs incredibly hard when he gets any space to operate and does a great job of securing the football. He’s all they have right now, however. Marlin Lane was too banged up to make any significant contribution and Justus Pickett and Derrell Scott just aren’t strong backup options at this point. Grade: C
Houston: It’s nearly impossible to grade this unit behind the current offensive line; they are just extremely handcuffed right now. I thought that Jalen Hurd ran hard (13 carries for 40 yards), but is clearly being hampered by his injured shoulder. Justus Pickett and Derrell Scott each saw some snaps, but neither got anything going. Jalen Hurd did add two catches for 19 yards, which tied him at third for receptions by Vols in this game, but with the struggles of the offensive line there were few opportunities to use the backs in the passing game. They appeared to make the most of what they were given and didn’t turn the football over…That’s about all you can ask for from this group right now. Grade: B
Average Grade: B-
