Javin Gordon's South Carolina showing could ease DeSean Bishop's workload

Tennessee did not get the result it wanted at South Carolina, but running back Javin Gordon gave the Volunteers something positive to take from the loss. His production in that game stood out as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing outing, and it has raised a natural question about the backfield going forward.

DeSean Bishop has carried a heavy share of the work, and any reliable help alongside him would matter for an offense trying to stay balanced over the closing stretch of the season. If Gordon can build on what he showed at South Carolina, Tennessee would have more reason to spread carries rather than lean so heavily on one back.

That possibility is the focus now for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff. A second productive option would not just lighten Bishop's load; it would give the Volunteers more flexibility in how they call games and a better chance to keep their running backs fresh when it counts most.