SEC Power Rankings: Egg Bowl, Iron Bowl to decide SEC West champ

Nov 21, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs the ball as Missouri Tigers linebacker Donavin Newsom (25) attempts the tackle during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It’s difficult to call them “hot” because of the poor competition involved (as well as a lack of dominance in each contest), but the Tennessee Vols have won four games in a row and appear primed to end the 2015 regular season on a five-game winning streak. Tennessee has actually now won five of its last six games with the only loss coming in a 19-14 squeaker against Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

The most recent victory for the Vols was a 19-8 win over an emotional Missouri team Saturday in Columbia. The Tennessee defense allowed just 223 total yards, recorded two sacks and forced two turnovers in the second consecutive dominant performance for the unit (the Vols shut out North Texas 24-0 in Week 11).

Offensively, running back Jalen Hurd carried the load for the Vols. Hurd gained 151 rushing yards on a career-high 34 carries. Backup Alvin Kamara added 43 rushing yards on seven attempts and quarterback Joshua Dobbs – who was 16-for-24 passing for 89 yards – added 54 rushing yards and the team’s only touchdown on ten carries.

Dobbs scored on an eight-yard run with 16 seconds left in the first half to stretch the Vols’ lead to 16-0 as the teams headed into the locker room. Kicker Aaron Medley connected on four of five field goal attempts to account for the rest of the scoring for Tennessee.

Hot or not, Tennessee tied last year’s total of seven wins and still has a home game against Vanderbilt and a bowl game to improve on that mark.

Next Game: Saturday November 28 vs. Vanderbilt

Next: Texas A&M