Tennessee football vs. BYU: 10 keys for Vols and Cougars

5. Jim Chaney’s commitment to the run game

Due to Ty Chandler’s two fumbles, Tennessee football went away from him and by nature the run game despite Tim Jordan and Eric Gray being out there. But that was a critical mistake, as Chandler still managed six carries for 48 yards and a touchdown, and he is always a big-play threat if you keep feeding him.

Jim Chaney never should have turned away from Chandler. So he made a couple of mistakes in the opener. That happens sometimes. In this game, the Vols should sell out to run the ball as much as possible, beyond even their ability to throw the ball and exploit the size advantage they have with the tight ends and receivers.

BYU allowed the Utah Utes to rush for 262 yards and average five and a half yards a carry last week. Zack Moss had 29 carries for 187 yards and a touchdown. Now, Tyler Huntley, Utah’s quarterback, is a mobile one and had 39 yards on eight carries. That dual-threat allows more versatility in the offense, which the Vols don’t have with Jarrett Guarantano.

But the BYU defensive line is so bad that the Vols should be able to gain a lot of yards. True, the Georgia State Panthers had a horrible run defense last year. However, they were actually good at stopping plays up front. It was just once players got past the first line that they struggled. BYU isn’t even good up front. So Chaney should sell out and feed Chandler as much as possible.