Running Backs
Daniel: Jalen Hurd deserves an A, no question. He was impressive again with 118 yards on 24 carries a touchdown and another nice catch and run on a screen pass for a first down in the red zone that he almost turned into a score. He’s playing like a high-level SEC back as a true freshman and he’s been huge for this team. Depth behind him remains the question, however. The Vols got very little from Marlin Lane, who had just five yards on three carries. Justus Pickett had a couple nice runs in garbage time, but still isn’t truly battled tested. Derrell Scott and Devrin Young didn’t dress out. Hurd has been great, but he’s pretty much all the Vols havee right now. I’ll credit him with the strong performance Saturday, but want to note the concern behind him going forward. Grade: A-
Houston: It was the Jalen Hurd show on Saturday night and the true freshman took full advantage of the spotlight. He ran hard, he ran angry and he never once took the path of least resistence. He made a point to punish Kentucky defenders early and often and appeared to run stronger as the game wore on. Marlin Lane didn’t get much done in the running game, but did have a nice 28-yard reception in the first quarter that set up a touchdown pass to Von Pearson on the very next play. They’ll need to keep their momentum going next week against a stingy Missouri team, and getting a player like Derrell Scott back could certainly help with the depth concerns, but this group did what they had to in this game Grade: B+
Reed: Jalen Hurd, once again, proved that he’s an absolute beast. He rushed for over 100 yards for the second straight game and added another impressive reception. Marlin Lane wasn’t effective carrying the ball but did haul in a 28-yard pass. Hurd consistently fought for tough yards and was rarely taken down by just one defender. He’s “running angry” has he said after the Alabama game. The Vols will need more of the same from him to down Missouri next week. Grade: B+
Average Grade: B+
