Running back DeSean Bishop had a historic performance in Tennessee football’s 24-14 victory over Auburn on Oct. 3. He rushed for 220 yards and scored three touchdowns.
That was the 12th-highest, single-game rushing total in UThistory. But it probably didn’t get the attention it deserved.
Instead, it got lost in the quarterback shuffle. Coach Josh Heupel’s decision to replace starting quarterback Faizon Brandon with George MacIntyre produced the most headlines and talk-show chatter.
But Bishop will have a chance at more recognition against Arkansas on Oct. 10.
I’m hesitant to try and pinpoint the Razorbacks’ most glaring weakness since they have a myriad of shortcomings. However, since I’m focused on Bishop’s production (he ranks third in the SEC
in rushing), it’s worth noting that Arkansas has given up an average of 242.5 yards rushing in its two most recent SEC games.
Tennessee 27, Arkansas 10: Only four Tennessee players − Chuck Webb, Tony Thompson, Jamal Lewis and Johnnie Jones – rushed for at least 200 yards more than once.
Webb holds the school record with 294 yards rushing against Ole Miss in 1989. He also ranks second with a 250-yard game in the 1990 Cotton Bowl.
Guess whom that was against?
Answer: Arkansas.
Alabama 41, Georgia 38: I realize that score looks like a typo. But I’m trying to keep up with the times.
So what if the Bulldogs and Tide have had the most defensive players drafted in the past 10 years. They aren’t coming up short on offense, either.
The Bulldogs lead the nation in scoring (51.4 points per game). Alabama ranks second (49.6).
LSU 31, Kentucky 17: This shapes up as a matchup of risk-taking coaches.
First-year Wildcats coach Will Stein said “You gotta take chances” in explaining his decision to go for two points in a 34-33 overtime victory over South Carolina on Oct. 3.
And it’s fair to say LSU coach Lane Kiffin has taken a few risks on and off the field in his career.
Ole Miss 34, Vanderbilt 22: It’s a good thing the Rebels had an open week. That gave them an extra week to practice their run defense.
Two Florida running backs surpassed 100 yards rushing, and the Gators totaled 302 yards rushing in their 52-28 victory over Ole Miss on Sept. 26.
That might have said more about how bad the Rebels defense was than how potent Florida’s game was. A week later, the Gators managed only 42 yards rushing in a 45-17 loss to Missouri.
Nonetheless, I predict Ole Miss will fare better against the Commodores, who rank 111th in rushing yards per game.
Texas 24, Oklahoma 10: You might remember that Sooners quarterback John Mateer played last season against Texas despite having recent surgery on a broken bone in his throwing hand.
The way Mateer has been throwing this season, I’m starting to wonder if he has rebroken the same bone. If so, it won’t heal against Texas’ defense.
Missouri 30, Texas A&M 27: I don’t believe the Tigers are as good as they looked against Florida. I also don’t believe the Aggies are as bad as they looked in a 35-6 loss to LSU.
On second thought, I might be putting too much stock in Texas A&M’s 34-7 victory over Arkansas. Don’t you hate arguing with yourself?
Florida 41, South Carolina 27: I’m going to miss Gamecocks sure-to-be-fired coach Shane Beamer, whose sideline demeanor always has intrigued me.
What will I miss most? The confidence Beamer can exude on the sideline even when the general populace is just as confident that he’s headed for another loss.
Record: 52-7 (.881), 39-20 (.661) against the spread.
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: Could Tennessee football's DeSean Bishop hit 200 yards again? More SEC picks | Adams
