Injuries have caused the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga backfield to become sort of a revolving door this season.
Yet regardless of who has been back there or their style of play, they’ve had the support of a solid offensive line.
The Mocs have averaged 310 yards rushing and 517 yards of total offense in their last two games, even with preseason All-America running back Derrick Craine out due to an ankle injury and starting quarterback Alejandro Bennifield missing some time in the Virginia Military Institute game with some fluid on his knee.
The Mocs also gave some time against Western Carolina to backup quarterback Tyler Roberson, a more natural runner than Bennifield.
After a 297-yard rushing performance against the Keydets on Oct. 22, the Mocs had a season-high 323 yards Saturday at WCU.
“We had a great plan going into the week,” center Jacob Revis said. “The coaches got it for us over the weekend and throughout the week, and I thought we executed it pretty well up front. The running backs always make us look good no matter who is back there.
“I feel like we’re playing well together as a unit. Any time you rush for 300 yards, you’re doing something right, but the guys in the backfield are really making us look good, too.”
Head coach Russ Huesman said he challenged both sides of his line Saturday to be great and said they did a “great job.” Offensive coordinator Jeff Durden raved about having no breakdowns in pass protection, adding that “this is one you want as a coach.”
Bennifield has been sacked only seven times this season and has thrown for 1,890 yards and 19 touchdowns. Craine has averaged 102.1 yards in his seven games, despite playing in only two fourth quarters.
Richardre Bagley filled in for Craine and averaged 157.5 yards per game on the ground in the last two games, while Roberson rushed for 121 yards and a score in the win over WCU.
“I think about 100 percent physicality when I think about our O-line. I think it’s the best in the country,” Bagley said. “We had two players go over 100 (yards), and that tells it all. They created open lanes for us. They do a great job and all credit goes to them.”
Alex Trotter has run for 84 yards in a backup role in the last two weeks.
Revis said it doesn’t matter who is in the backfield, or the runner’s particular style of play. The unit just knows that if it has a job to do, all the linemen have to make sure that job is done.
“We just do what we’re told, pretty much,” Revis said. “Derrick is an incredible player and we’d love to have him, but next man up. We’ve recruited well the past few years, and our backups are almost just as good if not on the same level as the starters.
“If you put anybody back there on our team, we’ve got faith in them.”
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.