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Tennessee’s run game has emerged as one of the top groups in the SEC this season.
It was part of what led the Vols to a win over Texas A&M last week, and now Tennessee is counting on its backfield to lead it past Alabama.
For Josh Heupel, the success in the run game starts up front.
“I said it earlier this week, we’ve had a lot of different pieces up front,” Heupel said during the SEC coaches teleconference. “Just the way the season has unfolded, we’ve had to play multiple guys because guys have been nicked up at times. I feel like they continue to settle in, continue to grow, continue to get better. But our tight ends have been really instrumental in it.”
With his running backs getting plenty of experience over the past few years, Heupel believe that experience has led to the big year this season.
“We’ve got 3 running backs that have experience and are playing their best football,” Heupel said. “All that pairs together and obviously the quarterback is a part of that, too. I like the growth of what we’ve been able to do up there.”
The Vols have a big challenge ahead this week against Alabama. Ahead of the game, Heupel had praise for the Tide’s defensive unit this season.
“These guys, first of all, their personnel is really good on all three levels and I say that meaning the safeties are in it, too, and do an extremely good job of tackling,” Heupel said. “Their linebackers are fast and physical. The front 4 is special, so huge test for us in this one. The balance for us offensively, yeah, we’ve gotta be able to maintain some balance. I think the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball is really important in this game.”
The matchup between the Vols and the Tide kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and should be a fun one. Alabama is looking to avenge last year’s loss, but the Vols are looking to start a winning-streak of their own.
