COMMENTARY: Volunteers must lean on Bishop, control clock

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – It goes without saying that the quarterback position is the most important in all of sports.

One could also argue, though, that a strong rushing attack is equally imperative.

For the Tennessee Volunteers this season, there is little doubt that the offense will be entirely dependent on the effectiveness of the run game.

Given the fact that the Volunteers’ top two quarterbacks have attempted just nine total passes at the collegiate level, running back DeSean Bishop is in line for another strong campaign.

A season ago, the Knoxville native rushed for over 1,000 yards en route to 16 touchdowns, the second-highest mark in the SEC.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Bishop’s 2025-26 campaign, though, was his dominating presence in high-stakes conference games.

With 146 rushing yards against Arkansas, 123 against Alabama, 116 against Florida, and 97 against Vanderbilt, it is safe to say that Bishop is ready to shoulder the load for what looks to be an otherwise unimpressive Volunteer offense.

“[He has] great vision, [and] great pace,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “The consistency that he [plays] with… he is the consummate pro.”

If Heupel and the Volunteers want to maximize Bishop’s output, however, they must abandon the no-huddle offense.

Last season, Tennessee ranked 130th of 136 FBS teams in time of possession, also ranking dead last in the SEC. 

In fact, the Volunteers lost the time of possession battle in all but one conference game.

While last season’s defensive disaster can be undoubtedly attributed to former defensive coordinator Tim Banks, Heupel’s high-tempo offense certainly did not do an already lackluster defense any favors. 

If Tennessee is serious about competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff, the Vols must do a better job of keeping their defense off the field. 

While new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense looks promising, asking the unit to be on the field for 35+ minutes per game is simply unreasonable.

Last season, the Volunteer defense crumbled down the stretch in close games (i.e. Georgia, Oklahoma), appearing increasingly exhausted as the game progressed. 

The Volunteers yielded an average of 8.5 points to opponents in the fourth quarter of conference games, a 34.2 point per game pace. 

Last season, five of the top eight time of possession leaders made the college football playoff, with both championship teams ranking inside the top six.

In the NFL, 11 of the top 14 were playoff teams.

The good news for Tennessee is that their offensive line looks to be among the best in the country. Four of the Volunteers’ projected starters are returners from last season’s team, with IOL Wendell Moe Jr. already being named to the Outland Trophy preseason watchlist.

Sophomore David Sanders Jr. was also named on the preseason all-SEC third team.

Fellow offensive lineman Gabe Osenda also had high praise for Sanders.

“It’s [great] having such an elite talent,” Osenda said. “He’s going to do great things [this year].”

With the veteran presences along the offensive line and in the backfield, Tennessee must play to its strengths with a young quarterback room and receiving corps.

However, leaning on the run will have benefits beyond just controlling the clock.

Establishing the run early in games will allow Josh Heupel to dig deep into his bag of tricks, providing increased opportunities for downfield and play-action passes.

I firmly believe that Tennessee’s best chance for success this season is to develop a playbook similar to that of the 2024 Boise State Broncos.

And, while DeSean Bishop is a far-cry from then Broncos star Ashton Jeanty, he is not the only weapon in the Volunteer backfield.

Javin Gordon, a sophomore Tulane transfer, is the perfect compliment for Bishop.

Though he averaged just 4.0 yards per carry during the 2025 campaign, 362 of his 516 rushing yards came after contact.

His bulldozing mentality makes for a perfect pairing with Bishop’s speed and elusiveness. 

Tennessee’s run game is poised for a big season. The only question is, will Heupel lean into it?

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos