Josh Heupel has tweaked his offense occasionally in his five-plus seasons at Tennessee. Most notably, the Vols no longer run plays at a breakneck pace.
But one thing hasn’t changed: The Vols keep piling up rushing yards. They just do so a little differently.
UT’s early rushing success under Heupel often was attributed to his system. Tennessee extended defenses horizontally by splitting out receivers to the far sides of the field, which helped created big plays in the running game. It also fostered the perception that any running back could post impressive stats in Heupel’s offense.
As defenses adjusted, so did the Vols. They now run from tighter formations, sometimes relying on two tight ends for more blocking power. Their continued success is
a tribute to talented running backs.
Never mind the philosophical shift. Tennessee’s running game clicks right away.
Only twice in the first two games of a season has an opponent held the Vols to under 200 yards rushing. Pittsburgh did it in 2021, Heupel’s first season, and again in 2022.
The competition has been a factor in UT’s early September rushing efficiency. Four times in the past six seasons, the Vols have played FCS opponents in the first two games. No doubt, that has inflated their rushing stats.
For example, Tennessee rushed for 329 yards in a 56-9 victory over Furman in its opener. However, it was almost as effective in Week 2 against ACC opponent Georgia Tech. The Vols ran for 299 yards while winning 45-24.
As a result, they rank sixth nationally in rushing yards per game. And their next opponent might be hard-pressed to slow them down.
Kennesaw State, which will face the Vols Sept. 19 in Neyland Stadium, ranks 92nd in rushing defense. Georgia State rushed for 230 yards in a 31-17 victory over the Owls on Sept. 12. That’s just one reason why Tennessee is a 35-point favorite.
Also, the Owls didn’t fare well the previous time they encountered a Power Four opponent. National champion Indiana averaged 8.0 yards per carry for 313 yards in a 56-0 victory over Kennesaw State in September 2025.
You would expect the Vols to mount a productive running game against Kennesaw State, just as they did against Georgia Tech and Furman. But if they hope to run their way into the playoffs, their success will hinge on what they do against the four nationally ranked teams on their schedule: Texas, Alabama, Texas A&M and LSU.
LSU and Alabama have been especially stingy against the run in their first two games. LSU ranks second nationally in rushing defense after allowing a total of 37 yards rushing in two games. Alabama, which ranks fourth, has given up only 65 yards in two games.
But the best teams on Tennessee's schedule don't always stonewall its running game.
UT’s season-high rushing total under Heupel came in 2024 when it rushed for 2,936 yards. Against three nationally ranked opponents — Georgia, Oklahoma and Alabama — it averaged 172 yards rushing. And even in a 42-17 blowout loss to national champion Ohio State, the Vols managed to rush for 156 yards.
Dylan Sampson, the SEC offensive player of the year in 2024, led that year's rushing attack, with a single-season school record 1,491 yards.
Three other Vols rushed for more than 300 yards. Included in the group was DeSean Bishop, who rushed for 455. Two years later, he has established himself as one of the top running backs in the SEC. He surpassed 1,000 yards last season and has a shot at breaking Sampson’s record.
He also has a solid supporting cast. Daune Morris, who was impressive against Georgia Tech, has exhibited breakaway speed while totaling 118 yards in two games.
Tulane transfer Javin Gordon has contributed 89 yards in two games, and Justin Baker had a 73-yard touchdown run against Furman. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon gives the Vols another running threat. And they’re all running behind a veteran offensive line.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football offense a tribute to talented running backs | Adams
