4. Dylan Sampson
Yes, he was pulled late in the second quarter due to his second fumble in as many games. However, Dylan Sampson’s fumble was once again not his fault, as he was held up by defenders while trying to give himself up, and the ball was forced out. It’s nearly impossible for any running back to secure the ball in those situations.
Sampson still managed 27 carries for 142 yards and two second-half touchdowns once again. In the process, he got to 19 rushing touchdowns on the year, breaking Gene McEver’s school record of 18 set way back in 1929. As a result, Sampson has now found his place in Tennessee Football lore with another elite second half.
The final touchdown by Sampson, when he wouldn’t go down and was pushed five yards into the end zone by his entire offensive line, is indicative of how the season has gone for UT in the run game. They are extremely physical up front, and they can just wear opponents down in the second half.
Indeed, Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins and Andrej Karic also deserve credit for their blocking, and Peyton Lewis deserves credit for gaining 24 yards on the ground and scoring a touchdown while Sampson was on the bench. There’s no denying, though, that Sampson was the star of the group.
NEXT: Torchbearer #3 – Will Brooks
