Running Backs
Nathanael: B+
Ty Chandler returned in a big way on Saturday. Not only did he have an untouched 81-yard touchdown sprint, but he looked good on most of his other runs too. He ran with purpose, made guys miss, and he showed off some of his toughness as well as he totaled a career-high 158 yards on just 12 carries. Tim Jordan looked solid and did well on his 13 carries, and I thought Madre London once again was a good power back and again ripped off a big run. The only thing keeping this group from an “A” is Jeremy Banks’ fumbles. He lost one at the two as he tried to extend the ball out for a touchdown, and he fumbled it later in the game too but recovered it himself. If not for those mistakes, I think UT’s running backs would’ve been the most impressive unit on the day by far.
Ben: A
345 rushing yards will get an ‘A’ from me all day long. Ty Chandler returned to the lineup and showed why he was so heavily recrutited coming out of high school. After missing last week’s game due to a concussion, Chandler rushed for a career-high 158 yards on 12 carries including an 81-yard touchdown run. Chandler brings something different than what Tim Jordan, Jeremy Banks or Madre London brings. With the offensive line continuing to struggle in run-blocking, Chandler has the ability to make the line look better than it is with his elusiveness.
Jordan continued to impressed on Saturday, rushing for 49 yards and a touchdown. London, who continues to be overlooked, broke out for 74 yards on nine carries. Banks had a rookie mistake, attempting to extend the ball across the goal line, only to fumble. While I don’t necessarily believe Banks fumbled — there wasn’t a definitive angle that proved Banks reached the ball across — the freshman didn’t need to risk a fumble in that situation. It was first and goal. Go down at the 1-yard line and give your offense another chance to punch it in on the remaining downs.
