Tennessee’s offense has become a known commodity. It’s really, really good in case you haven’t noticed. However, UT’s defensive unit shouldn’t be overlooked upon close examination.
The Vols are eighth in the SEC in points allowed with 23 points per game. That’s not bad considering how often Tennessee’s defense can be put in tough situations. The Vols are always destined to lose time of possession each and every game with head coach Josh Heupel’s offense. The ranking is surely much higher this season than it would have been last year now that the Vols have a better conditioned defense to offset the Vol’s offense. That was a major offseason goal.
The Vols are third in the SEC in red-zone defense in points converted with a 73-percent conversion rate. The Vols are fourth in the SEC in touchdown conversion percentage with a 46-percent conversion rating.
Tennessee has also been solid against the run recently, limiting LSU to 55 yards rushing and Alabama to just 114 yards on the ground. That puts the Vols at 10th in the nation and second in the SEC, allowing just 93 yards per game rushing.
