Tennessee football Smokey Points: Top 5 Vols performers vs. Florida Gators

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Madre London #31 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for yards during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Madre London #31 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for yards during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
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Tennessee football’s running backs did not play well overall. Many of them missed open running lanes, and they were not able to avoid being tackled on the first hit. Against a terrible Florida Gators rush defense, they averaged fewer than three yards a carry.

Madre London is not absolved from the rest of the backs in this poor performance. However, it is worth noting that the running backs do not get as much blame as the offensive line, or even the lack of passing game in this one.

Despite those issues, London was a back who managed to make a few key plays for the Vols in the game. He had 11 carries for 66 yards and did pick up a touchdown for the Vols, one that at the time hinted they could be getting back in the game.

It came on a goal line situation, and Jeremy Pruitt and Tyson Helton kept going to him until he would put it in. That’s the type of power football the Vols needed restored, so even though there were a lot of issues on Saturday, and even though London’s average was skewed by a 43-yard run, he deserves credit for his play. And he’s helping to bring back an identity on Rocky Top.