The Tennessee Volunteers are just 4-4 through eight games this season, but after winning two of their last three games, there's reason to think the Vols could reel off a big run down the stretch this year. Here are three things we know about Tennessee so far this season:
3) Their young talent is progressing, but they aren't quite there yet
This Tennessee team still has plenty of talent, and most of the key contributors are juniors or underclassmen, so the Vols should be loaded next season. Butch Jones has done a great job recruiting, so expect another strong class this year. The Vols may not win the SEC this season, but there is always next year. Considering this team nearly pulled off the upset over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, it's clear they're on the right track - now they just have to keep going.
Plus, the team should still go to a bowl game. The young talent will produce results soon enough.
2) Tennessee is a dominant running team
The Vols have a true three-headed attack on the ground. RB Jalen Hurd leads the team with 725 yards on 162 carries while his backup, Alvin Kamara, has racked up 346 yards on 54 carries. However, quarterback Joshua Dobbs is the second-leading rusher with 438 yards on 96 attempts.
That trio is averaging over 4.8 yards per carry and have an astonishing 19 touchdowns on the season. No one has truly been able to stop the Vols' ground attack, as Tennessee has rushed for at least 150 yards in every game this season and rank 21st in the country in rushing yards per game (214.1).
Dobbs and the passing game definitely need to improve for the Vols to take the next step forward, but they have a great running game to rely on.
1) There is a TON of talent of defense
The Vols have allowed just 30 points once this season (Georgia), so it makes sense that the advanced stats love Tennessee's defense. Even in a conference loaded with defensive talent, the Vols have shown they have of the better units. Tennessee starts only three seniors on the defensive side of the ball, so the Vols could have eight returning starters next year, which would pave the way for a great season in 2016.
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