Tennessee running back Tauren Poole (28) runs the ball during an NCAA college football game against Tennessee-Martin at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 4, 2010, in Knoxville, Tenn.KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee football coaches feel they have a three-part solution for one big problem the team had last season.
With a first-year starter at tailback, no complementary back and an offensive line that had just one player with starting experience and three true freshmen, the Volunteers’ ground game had more moments of ineptitude than flashes of brilliance and consistency.
Now that their top three receiving targets are gone and sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray no longer is a secret to opponents, the Vols know the rushing attack must be improved this season.
“We definitely need the running game to win games,” senior tailback Tauren Poole said. “We can’t rely only on Tyler’s little bitty arm to throw the ball every single play, even though he’s talented enough. We’re going to need to run the football.”
Last year the Vols were the SEC’s worst rushing team. They averaged less than 2 yards per attempt in eight league games.