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Tennessee football: Top five performers in Vols 34-7 loss to Kentucky

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Ty Chandler (8) runs back to the sideline after scoring during a SEC conference football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, October 17, 2020.Kns Ut Football Kentucky Bp
Tennessee running back Ty Chandler (8) runs back to the sideline after scoring during a SEC conference football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, October 17, 2020.Kns Ut Football Kentucky Bp /
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Tennessee running back Eric Gray (3) runs the ball during a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.101720 Tenn Ky Gameaction
Tennessee running back Eric Gray (3) runs the ball during a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.101720 Tenn Ky Gameaction /

1. player. Pick Analysis. Running back. Sophomore. Eric Gray. 839. Scouting Report

24 carries, 128 yards; 3 catches, 20 yards

When you look at what Ty Chandler did and then what Eric Gray did, there are two takeaways. The first is that Tennessee football’s interior blocking was not the problem at all in this game. However, the second is an indictment against Jim Chaney.

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Given the way the running game went, Chaney was far too quick to abandon it at times. While Chandler got the sole touchdown, Gray was the star on that drive. He and Chandler gained all 75 yards on that touchdown drive, but Gray had 61 of those yards on nine carries. He was shifty, quick and powerful, always finding the opening when he needed to.

That wasn’t the only drive in which he played well either. With 148 total yards from scrimmage, Gray was a solid performer throughout the day. He brought up a 3rd and short and a 4th and short on the Vols’ next two offensive drives after that touchdown drive. Jeremy Pruitt, however, decided to punt both times.

Taking that into account, there was a lack of faith in Gray that was completely unfair given how he performed throughout the day. Chandler should have had 12 more carries to match Gray’s 24, but Gray then should have had 30 carries. He proved he could be a workhorse while also gaining tons of yards and making big plays.

Next. Five takeaways from Vols' 34-7 loss to Kentucky. dark

As a result, Gray was the player of the game for Tennessee football. The run game was the one bright spot for the Vols, and if Chaney had stuck with it, there’s no way Kentucky would have built such a huge lead.

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