Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel faced tough questions after the Volunteers’ disappointing loss to Ohio State, and one recurring topic was the limited role of standout running back Dylan Sampson. Sampson, a versatile weapon in Tennessee’s offense, saw minimal touches in a game where the Vols struggled to find rhythm offensively. The 35-21 defeat left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, wondering why one of the team’s most explosive playmakers wasn’t a bigger part of the game plan.
Dylan Sampson entered the game against Ohio State as one of Tennessee’s most reliable contributors. Known for his quickness, vision, and ability to break off big plays, Sampson had been a consistent bright spot in an offense that leaned heavily on its running game this season. He finished the regular season with over 800 rushing yards, a healthy yards-per-carry average, and several highlight-reel moments.
Heading into the matchup, many expected Sampson to play a key role in helping the Vols control the clock and keep Ohio State’s potent offense off the field. However, Sampson’s involvement was surprisingly limited, with the running back logging fewer than ten touches in the entire game. His absence from critical moments raised eyebrows and sparked widespread criticism of Heupel’s play-calling.
In his postgame press conference, Heupel addressed the lack of involvement for Sampson, acknowledging the questions surrounding the decision. He explained that the game’s flow, coupled with Ohio State’s defensive strategy, played a significant role in limiting Sampson’s opportunities.
“We had a game plan coming in that we felt gave us the best chance to win, and unfortunately, we didn’t execute the way we needed to,” Heupel said. “Dylan is a huge part of what we do offensively, but sometimes the way a game unfolds changes how you utilize certain players.”
Heupel pointed to Ohio State’s dominance in the trenches as a factor that disrupted Tennessee’s ability to establish the run game. The Buckeyes’ defensive front consistently won battles at the line of scrimmage, forcing the Vols to abandon some of their initial plans. Heupel also noted that the team’s early deficit shifted the focus toward the passing game, further limiting opportunities for Sampson.
Despite Heupel’s explanation, the decision to sideline Sampson for much of the game has been met with widespread criticism. Many fans believe that Sampson’s explosive playmaking ability could have provided a spark for an offense that appeared stagnant for long stretches.
“Dylan Sampson is the type of player who can change the momentum of a game with one touch,” one analyst noted. “Even if the run game wasn’t working early, you have to find ways to get him involved, whether that’s through screens, swing passes, or creative play designs.”
Fans took to social media to express their frustration, with many pointing to Sampson’s past performances as evidence of his ability to impact games. The lack of adjustments to incorporate him into the offense, even as other strategies faltered, left a sour taste for a passionate fan base eager for postseason success.
The loss to Ohio State marks a disappointing end to a season that showed great promise for Tennessee. While the Vols made strides under Heupel’s leadership, the defeat highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in terms of in-game adjustments and maximizing the potential of key players.
For Sampson, the game serves as a missed opportunity to showcase his talents on a national stage. However, he remains a critical piece of Tennessee’s future, and Heupel emphasized that the team will learn from this experience moving forward.
“Dylan is a special player, and he’s going to be a huge part of what we do next year,” Heupel said. “We’ve got to find better ways to get him involved, and that starts with me as the head coach. We’ll get it right.”
As Tennessee turns its attention to the offseason, the focus will undoubtedly be on refining its offensive identity and ensuring that players like Dylan Sampson are consistently put in positions to succeed. The loss to Ohio State serves as a painful reminder of the importance of adaptability and the need to trust in the talents of playmakers, even when circumstances don’t go as planned.
For now, Vols fans can take solace in the fact that Sampson has two more years of eligibility and plenty of opportunities to leave his mark on the program. If Heupel and his staff can learn from this season’s missteps, Tennessee’s future remains bright, with Sampson likely playing a central role in the team’s pursuit of SEC and national titles.