One thing that was an emphasis during the off season for the Knoxville Football squad was stopping the run. The Panthers struggled to stop the run last season as teams averaged 219 yards per game on the ground. Coach Troy Rider says this season should be much better as his defensive linemen have been in the weight room and are bigger and stronger. Rider adds not only are the Panthers going to be a team that can stop the run, they are built to run the ball. Knoxville had success last season running the ball up the middle. He says quarterback Bryant McWilliams has improved on his running and decision making.