7. Ty Chandler at Auburn
Stat line: 16 carries, 50 yards; 5 receptions, 62 yards, 1 touchdown
Result: Tennessee wins 30-24
As you can see, there were lots of great individual performances when Tennessee football faced the Auburn Tigers in 2018. And Ty Chandler, who was beginning to establish himself as an elite talent, was one of those standout guys.
Chandler had been demonstrating his versatility already. He had a touchdown reception to get the offense going in the previous game on the road against the Georgia Bulldogs, and after splitting time with Tim Jordan, this was really the game to show he was the better back.
Down 10-3 in the second quarter, the Vols’ defense forced an interception near midfield. UT cashed in on offense immediately, as Chandler got things going with a 42-yard touchdown reception to tie things up.
That was the first key to show this team would be able to compete in this game. Chandler remained consistent throughout the day, catching five passes for 62 yards. He only had 50 yards on 16 carries, to be fair, but that does add up to be 112 total yards from scrimmage. Add in the touchdown, and he was clearly a key player in this win.
This game was a perfect example of how versatile he can be in the offense, and he allowed things to open up in the passing game beyond him because of his efforts. He also used this game to make history, as the next week, he would score another receiving touchdown, being the first UT running back to ever do that in three straight games.