The Tennessee Volunteers are averaging 188 passing yards per game this season, the fewest of any SEC team. Despite this, the Vols are 6-1 (3-1 SEC) are in the thick of the College Football Playoff hunt.
Their defense leading the conference in points allowed (14.7 per game) and sacks (30) is a big reason why. But there’s no denying the Volunteers wouldn’t be in their current position without running back DeSean Bishop.
Tennessee’s junior rusher has pulled his offense up Rocky Top all season long. Bishop turned 32 carries into 159 yards and two touchdowns against Alabama to lead his team to a 26-10 win. His efforts earned him the Doak Walker Award’s National Running Back of the Week honors.
Bishop has always been the Vols’ leading rusher, but he has turned into a true workhorse since Tennessee’s loss to Texas. Over the last three weeks, Bishop has handled 85 carries. He has racked up 517 yards (6.1 yards per carry) and six touchdowns on those rushes.
His production has the Volunteers averaging 217.1 rushing yards per game this year, second-most in the conference.
Tennessee faces the SEC’s leading rushing squad (South Carolina – 232.3 yards per game) at 3:30 p.m. E.T. on ESPN this Saturday.
