Tennessee football Smokey points: Top five Vols performers vs. Chattanooga

Despite his multiple fumbles in the opening game of the season, Ty Chandler continues to be an elite playmaker for Tennessee football. And he did it once again for the Vols on Saturday, helping them to set the tone early on so they could coast to victory.

Chandler took the opening kickoff and ran it back 58 yards to start the Vols’ first drive off deep in Chattanooga territory. It only took a few plays, but Chandler then gave UT its first score of the day with a 13-yard touchdown run. So he was the guy who kept them playing early to make sure they wouldn’t let up despite their horrific start to the season.

For the game, Chandler had 10 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. Averaging only slightly better than four and a half yards a carry is not a typical Chandler night, but he still was productive. When you combine it with his 58-yard kickoff return, it’s clear that he was elite for the Vols in numerous ways and deserved a shoutout.

Well, once again, he got one. Chandler has been predictably UT’s best offensive playmaker through three games on the year. Jauan Jennings is right there as well, but Chandler’s key plays were at more critical moments in this game, and that’s why he made the list.