The Tennessee Vols are being viewed by numerous national media outlets as a top 25 team in 2022.

It makes sense, considering the massive step forward the program took in year one of the Josh Heupel era in 2021.

One of the reasons a lot of folks are high on Tennessee in 2022 is the Vols' potent offensive attack.

UT had the No. 7 scoring offense in the nation last season — that was up from the No. 109 scoring offense in the nation in 2020.

The offense won't be a question mark for Tennessee in 2022 — especially with quarterback Hendon Hooker and wide receiver Cedric Tillman returning.

The defense, however, is another question.

The Vols had the No. 90 scoring defense in the country in 2021. That obviously needs to improve if UT wants to compete for an SEC East division title.

It's also the one thing that 247Sports thinks could make or break the Vols in 2022.

From 247Sports:

Hendon Hooker returning at quarterback is great news for the Vols, as he led the offense to an average of 39.3 points per game, good for seventh in the nation. What needs to get better is the defense, which ranked 90th in points allowed per game (29.1). Should the Vols want to take the next step from a seven-win regular season, it starts there.

While Tennessee's defense definitely needs to improve, the stats from 2021 don't necessarily tell the whole story.

The Vols' up-tempo offense gives opposing teams more offensive possessions, which equals more opportunities for points.

As a result, Tennessee's defense is never going to be among the best scoring defenses in the nation — not as long as Heupel is running his up-tempo offense.

But that's fine — as long as the Vols limit damage, get off the field in key third-down situations, and force turnovers.

Tennessee doesn't have to be perfect on defense. They just need to be average.

An average UT defense combined with Heupel's offense should be a scary thought for the rest of the SEC.

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