It's hard to stay upset with Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson because of everything he is getting done for this team this season. However, we can't ignore the fact that fumbles are shockingly becoming a huge issue for him.
Before the showdown with Mississippi State, the standout RB had fumbled in back-to-back games. Then in the first quarter against MSU, and with Tennessee driving deep into Bulldogs' territory, Sampson coughed up the ball once again.
He was furious with himself and understandably so. The ESPN broadcast showed him throwing his helmet on the ground in frustration. A Tennessee interception got the Vols the ball back right away, but it was freshman Peyton Lewis who took the field at RB and not Sampson. A message was clearly sent there by Josh Heupel, who benched Sampson last week too:
Crazy stuff. Dylan Sampson fumbles the ball.
— Emilie Rae Cochrane (@EmCochranetv) November 10, 2024
Two-plays later, Tennessee native Boo Carter intercepts it at the 18 for a nine-yard return.
Peyton Lewis can't get in on 4th and 1; it's a turnover on downs with 4:32 remaining in the first quarter. #Vols
Dylan Sampson fumbling for a 3rd straight Tennessee game is a big worry
On that drive where Sampson was watching from the sidelines, Lewis had multiple attempts to get into the end zone, but he couldn't get the job done. A look on social media shows that everyone was begging Heupel to put Sampson back in to try and score, but it didn't happen.
What's wild to think about is that Sampson previously never had any issues with turnovers. However, things have totally flipped for him in the past three games, which is beyond head-scratching. When he's on his game, he's one of the best running backs in the SEC.
This is something Heupel knows, which is why he's never going to keep him off the field for too long. However, you've got to feel for him too. All these fumbles must be impacting his confidence. A turnover like this might be something Tennessee can get away with against a team like Mississippi State, but it sure as heck can't happen next week vs. Georgia.