Running Backs and Fullbacks
The running backs had a long day, rushing for a disappointing 62 yards against Auburn. A large part of their failure was due to the offensive line’s inability to open up any lanes, but in order to win at a high-level in this league, Tennessee is going to have to run the ball more efficiently.
Chandler led the way with 50 yards on 16 carries, but his best production came through the air. The sophomore was a difference-maker on the perimeter, hauling in five passes for 62 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown. Chandler is shifty, a trait that Tim Jordan, Madre London, and Jeremy Banks don’t possess. With a below-average offensive line, Chandler has the ability to mask some of the offensive line’s deficiencies. As a result, you’re starting to see him receive the bulk of the carries. His 16 carries against Auburn were his most on the season, and I expect that trend to continue.
Here’s how the running backs shook out against Auburn:
During the game, the biggest gripe with the offense was Helton’s commitment level to the run on first down. Against Auburn, Tennessee ran the ball 19 times on first down. On 26 first downs, that’s 73 percent and far too much. Especially when you’re having very little success with the run. Yes, it eventually paid off with the 42-yard pass to set Tennessee up for a field goal, but only four of those 19 first downs were successful. It was far too predictable and unsuccessful and shouldn’t happen again. Yes, you still need to try to establish the run even when it’s not working. But from here on out, I’d like to see the pass set up the run, rather than failing at establishing the pass through a run-first mindset.
One of the biggest differences we’ve seen over the last two games is the usage of the fullback. After only being utilized three times against Georgia, a fullback was used just seven times against Auburn. More importantly, we didn’t see Austin Pope after he received just one snap against the Bulldogs. Andrew Craig received six of the seven fullback snaps against the Tigers, producing five positive blocks to two negative blocks. Eli Wolf was motioned to fullback once.
It’s clear the coaches don’t trust Pope to get the job done following his performance against Florida. Because of it, a fullback in Tennessee’s offense is near extinct. With the passing game being the strength of the offense, I don’t expect to see the Vols use a fullback often going forward.
