Tennessee was nationally ranked in the preseason and regarded as a playoff contender. Nonetheless, there were nagging questions.
And because the 2024 preseason begins as soon as the 2023 season ends, that made for a lot of nagging.
But after UT’s four consecutive victories — all by double-digit margins — the questions have become less prominent.
Depth on the offensive line was one concern and still is. However, the Vols beat nationally ranked Oklahoma on its home field without their two starting tackles. Lance Heard didn’t play because of injury, and John Campbell was injured in the second quarter.
Running back depth was another preseason issue. Dylan Sampson qualified as one of the SEC’s premier running backs, but there was uncertainty behind him. That is no longer paramount, thanks to the play of DeSean Bishop. He rushed for 65 yards on 16 carries against a tough Oklahoma defense in Tennessee’s 25-15 victory Saturday.
Through four games, Bishop has 287 rushing yards while nicely complementing Sampson, who has 449 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.
ADAMS: Tennessee football is more than a playoff contender after turning back Oklahoma
Teams also should be concerned when they’re breaking in a new placekicker. But redshirt freshman Max Gilbert has been outstanding. He has made 10 of 11 field goal tries and all 24 of his extra-point kicks.
Like many teams in the transfer portal era, the Vols began the season with unproven players behind their starting quarterback. Never mind how talented redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava is. His backup, Gaston Moore, is a walk-on, and No. 3 quarterback Jake Merklinger is a true freshman.
You wouldn’t want to try and beat Alabama and Georgia without Iamaleava. But Moore was effective in three runaway victories, completing 11 of 16 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Merklinger…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/tennessee-football-answering-preseason-questions-091425295.html
Author : Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Publish date : 2024-09-23 09:14:25
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