By: Dallas Bowlin
Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
The All Vol Call In Show
“I love it. It’s carnage. It’s so much fun,” Tennessee safety Jakobe Thomas said on Tuesday, discussing the Volunteers’ defense. Under the guidance of defensive line coach Rodney Gardner and coordinator Tim Banks, led by its havoc-wreaking defensive line, the once-struggling Tennessee defense has rapidly changed public perception.
The Tennessee defense has yet to allow an offensive touchdown as of this writing. In fact, the last offensive touchdown scored against the Vols came on November 25, 2023, against Vanderbilt. To add context, Tennessee has outscored its last two opponents 120-13. Historically, it has been the Josh Heupel offense that instilled fear in opposing teams, but so far, both units have been near elite.
Against Chattanooga, the Vols' defense held the Mocs to 2.1 yards per carry, forced a fumble, recorded five tackles for loss, and defended five passes. I know what you’re thinking: It was Chattanooga. But how about the stats against NC State?
Against the Wolfpack, Tennessee held NC State to 4.7 yards per pass and 1.4 yards per carry. The Vols forced two fumbles, recorded one interception, and tallied an astonishing 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, three passes defended, and one defensive touchdown. Additionally, the 143 total yards allowed by Tennessee in this game is the lowest in the Josh Heupel era.
Examining how the Vols stack up nationally, Tennessee ranks 23rd in passing yards allowed, 15th in red zone defense, 11th in rushing defense, fifth in third-down defense, ninth in first-down defense, 12th in scoring defense, and sixth in total defense. If the Vols can maintain their position as the sixth-best total defense in the country, coupled with their potent offense, the future looks promising.
As the season progresses, watching the Tennessee defense fly around and create their brand of havoc will surely be a sight to behold. The offense is “Fast. Fun. Real.” The defense? Simply one word: Carnage.
Photo | Tennessee Athletics
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