Running Backs
Daniel: I’ve been extremely concerned for UT about what would happen if Jalen Hurd went down. The Vols experienced that at Vanderbilt when the freshman left the game in the first quarter and Marlin Lane, the only other fully healthy scholarship option on the roster, stepped in. Lane played a bit better than I expected. He wasn’t particularly explosive, but he had some some tough runs (16 for 51 yards) and helped out in the passing game as well (3 catches for 25 yards). It wasn’t always pretty, but considering the circumstances, Lane helped the Vols pull out the win. Grade: B-
Houston: Twenty-one carries for 72 yards isn’t setting the world on fire, but without Jalen Hurd this group loses a lot of big play ability. Hurd only had five carries for 21 yards before leaving with an apparent concussion, but Marlin Lane was able to give the offense just enough to set up touchdown drives in the second and third quarters. Lane also chipped in three catches for 25 yards. Not a banner night, but again, they did enough to win the football game. Grade: C+
Reed: Marlin Lane, who hasn’t been healthy all year, filled in admirably for the injured Hurd. He averaged 4 yards per touch and ran hard through contact. Tennessee desperately needs more depth at this position. Grade: B
Average Grade: B-
