You don't need to look too far back in the history books to see Tennessee needs a good running game to compete for championships.

The names of James "Little Man'' Stewart, Jay Graham, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and Travis Stephens roll off the tongue when Vols' fans reminisce about the most-productive offenses over the past 10 years.

"A good run game will be even more important this year with the inexperienced quarterbacks we have,'' UT offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said. "It's not like last year, when we could say, 'Here's the ball Casey (Clausen), go win the game.' ''

Seniors Cedric Houston and Jabari Davis - both Parade All-Americans coming out of high school - have yet to fill the shoes of their predecessors.

There's still a chance they never will. Running backs coach Trooper Taylor said Saturday senior Corey Larkins and junior Gerald Riggs are the top candidates to start at tailback at this point.

That came as news to Houston, who graced regional preseason magazine covers and was a preseason All-SEC selection by some publications.

"I expect to start,'' Houston said. "I'd gotten frustrated the first couple of scrimmages; either I was making the wrong cut, or not getting a block I needed.''

Houston appeared to get closer to being back on track Saturday, breaking off runs of 8 and 14 yards.

"I was able to get into some situations where I could get upfield and make the most out of the carry,'' Houston said. "I really feel like I'm ready to play.''

Davis has also enjoyed some success this fall, particularly in goal-line situations and as a receiver coming out of the backfield.

Taylor's frontrunners, Riggs and Larkins, are similar in that they've had to escape the coaches' doghouse over their careers.

Riggs had issues with class attendance, while Larkins' focus has been openly questioned by past position coaches on offense and defense.

As for their running styles, Riggs and Larkins are completely different.

Riggs has shown this fall he can handle the tough runs between the tackles. He had an 8-yard TD run Saturday on which he made a sharp cut to elude a defender before finding a lane.

"I feel like I'm in a better rhythm than I've ever been,'' said Riggs, plagued by ankle injuries his first two seasons. "It doesn't hurt to run anymore. When I'm healthy, there's no limits to my game.''

Larkins' game is all about speed. One of the fastest players on the team, Larkins has grown stronger over his career. The Opelika, Ala., running back has also stepped up his pass protections and isn't afraid to take on blitzing linebackers.

Larkins' best runs have been when he has cut back against the defense. But that running style has also been his downfall; he gained just 12 yards on five carries Saturday when the linemen wised up and held their gaps.

Walk-on David Yancey provided some exciting moments in the spring, mimicking the style of Stephens with his quick and deceptive power. A family issue, however, caused Yancey to miss a portion of the fall practices and he has yet to appear as sharp as he did three months ago.

Bottom line, it doesn't matter whether it's Erik Ainge or Brent Schaeffer under center. Whoever it is, they'll need a good back behind them.