We can talk and talk about Tennessee’s physical ability and depth on defense. However, there’s more to it than that. The Vols have shown a nasty attitude that has become a hallmark of their game.
Yes, I’m aware that linebacker Keenan Pili was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty earlier this season for a late hit. Defensive back Boo Carter was also tagged with a 15-yard penalty for a hit that was deemed way, way out of bounds. No problem.
If I’m Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel or defensive coordinator Tim Banks, I’d act mad about the mistakes, but I’d secretly love the aggression. Despite taking a backseat to an offense that would often put them in a bind, Tennessee’s 2024 defense is out to dominate people and win games.
This Tennessee defense isn’t out to just slow an opponent down in hopes that the Vols can outscore them on offense. This Tennessee defense is out to beat teams and beat them bad. That was evident when the Vols fought hard in a game they had practically already won, but felt driven to keep a streak alive of no offensive touchdowns allowed that dates back to the 1930’s. That’s pride.
That attitude was most evident on Saturday night when quarterback Nico Iamaleava was striped of the ball twice while being sacked. Then, nearly immediately, the Vols took the ball right back with turnovers of their own.
“The way the defense handled the sudden change from our offensive turnovers is as good as anywhere I have been,” Heupel said on Wednesday after practice. “And I say that by just the mentality and the look in their eyes. They took the field and created the turnovers and it was the difference in the football game early.”
This is new territory for Heupel, at least recently. Surely, he’s been a part of a defense-first team at some point during his playing or coaching career. That will most likely be the case this season. Tennessee’s defense may well rule in 2024.
“The way our defense played on Saturday and the way they played earlier in the year, as an offense you have got to be ready to go…but then the game will form an identity during the course of the game and certainly on Saturday night, the way our defense was playing, it formed an identity,” Heupel said. “Then, it’s about tying all three phases in together to make sure that you end up on the right side of the scoreboard.”
The Vols did that in a 25-15 win over Oklahoma. Tennessee’s defensive front was smothering. As for the defensive backs, well that’s tough to say. The Vols only gave up 186 passing yards against the Sooners, but pass pressure was as much a part of that as pass defense. Nevertheless, Heupel said he’s pleased with cornerbacks Rickey Gibson III and Jermod McCoy.
“Those guys have played really good football,” said Heupel, who also noted that Jakobe Thomas has been playing at a high level. “They played really well the other night…We have got some young guys that continue to come along. The type of football that they played here in the early part of the year has been a huge part of us continuing to push forward, in the way that our defense has played in the early part of the year. At the same time, it’s all three levels of the defense playing together too, but those guys have been phenomenal.”
Heupel and the Vols get a much needed bye week this week. They have a chance to heal up, especially on the offensive line, after a very physical contest against Oklahoma. Then, it will be time to travel to Arkansas on Oct. 5. Will Heupel be watching television when No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama play on Saturday while he has a chance to chill?
“I have not planned my Saturday yet with my kids,” Heupel said. “At some point, I’ll sit down and watch some ball, and I assume I’ll get a chance to watch a little bit of that one. Hopefully, my daughter takes me out on the golf course and beats up on me.”
For Heupel’s sake, let’s hope the father-daughter beatdown in golf isn’t as bad as the ones the Vols’ defense is used to doling out each Saturday this fall.
