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Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for against Kentucky

By Dean Zulkofske

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Deandre Johnson #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after forcing a fumble during the second half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Deandre Johnson #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after forcing a fumble during the second half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Oct 10, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Quay Walker (25) with help from defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) tackles Tennessee Volunteers running back Ty Chandler (8) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Quay Walker (25) with help from defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) tackles Tennessee Volunteers running back Ty Chandler (8) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Senior. player. Scouting Report. Running back. Ty Chandler. 4. 839. Pick Analysis

5’11” 205 pounds; Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.

After two weeks of play, Ty Chandler sat alone at the top of the SEC rushing leaderboard. But after a few big performances from other running backs in the conference and just 11 yards on eight attempts against Georgia, Chandler’s now ninth on the list.

Now, this is a new week for number eight in orange and white, and there’s reason to believe this week’s matchup against Kentucky is the perfect stage for Chandler to have an efficient bounce-back game.

For starters, the Kentucky defense he’ll face on Saturday is absolutely not the Georgia defense that harassed him last weekend. The Wildcats have only given up 250 rushing yards all season, but they’ve also given up over 800 yards in the passing game.

It’s easy to think the game plan going into this weekend for Tennessee football would be to throw the ball, but forcing the passing game was what ruined their chances of winning last week. When Jim Chaney began dialing up trick plays and abandoned the running game, the Vols fumbled, lost field position and momentum on sacks, and threw interceptions.

Obviously, the offensive line didn’t have its best week, but efficient offense begins with the running game. Chandler will be counted on to carry the ball effectively in order to maintain time of possession and keep Tennessee’s defense off the field.

Other teams haven’t had much success running the ball against Kentucky,  but there’s no reason to believe the offensive line can’t turn around from last week’s game and be productive this Saturday at home. No matter the case, expect Chandler to be given the ball early and often.

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