Auburn running back Tank Bigsby has turned heads just six games into his college career. The true freshman is among the SEC’s top seven rushers in yards (503) and average per carry (5.65). On the season, Bigsby is averaging just over 14 carries per game, but in Auburn’s wins over Arkansas and Ole Miss, Bigsby carried the ball 20 or more times.

If Tennessee is going to contain the Auburn offense, slowing down Bigsby will key to the Volunteers’ success. In his Wednesday media session, UT head coach Jeremy Pruitt shared his impression of the first-year Tiger.

“I see where he got the name Tank,” Pruitt told reporters. “One of the more physical runners in our conference. Guys bounce off of him. He runs through contact and a lot of guys bounce off him. He’s playing really well for a young guy.”

Last time out, Bigsby carried the ball 15 times for 71 yards in AU’s 48-11 win over LSU. Tow Bigsby’s 5 touchdowns came in the Halloween “Tiger Bowl” rivalry clash.

Tennessee will look to tighten up its rushing defense after allowing a season-high 198 yards on the ground in the 24-13 loss to Arkansas. The Vols are giving up an average of 160.5 rushing yards per game, unable to hold an opponent under triple digits since the opening-week win against South Carolina.

[H/T Ben McKee, Eric Cain]