Last year’s Georgia State Panthers gave up over six and a half yards a carry and had one of the worst rush defenses in the nation. Now, the big reason for that was because they gave up explosive plays. If they didn’t allow first down runs, they actually were a decent run defense.
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As a result, Tennessee football only has one proven running back to take advantage of that. While Tim Jordan is a solid back, he’s not a game-breaker. Guys who go for the three to four yards won’t cut it against the Panthers. You need the elite star weapons. The game-breaker for this is the Vols’ best offensive weapon, Ty Chandler himself.
After averaging five and a half yards a carry last year and becoming the first UT running back ever to catch three touchdown passes in three straight games, Chandler is the perfect weapon for the Vols against GSU. Okay, he’s always the perfect weapon.
But Georgia State is prone to giving up gigantic plays on the ground, and Chandler likes to make gigantic plays. Given Georgia State’s issues at defending a spread out field as well, Chandler could once again be a huge factor for Jarrett Guarantano in the passing game. He should be able to go for over 200 total yards on Saturday.
Tennessee football is likely to not have any issues with Georgia State, but Chandler is the guy who can put the game away early. He could go for a couple of 80-yard touchdown runs and easily have the Vols in control by the end of the first quarter. Jeremy Pruitt and Jim Chaney should rely on him to do that.