Tennessee Vols defense focusing on getting better in specific situation this offseason
The Tennessee Vols' defense was much-improved in 2021 under new defensive coordinator Tim Banks. UT's defense wasn't perfect last season, but they looked confident and aggressive. And they knew how to get lined up correctly in tempo situations — something the 2020 Volunteers struggled with at times. While Tennessee's defense will look to continue general […]
The Tennessee Vols' defense was much-improved in 2021 under new defensive coordinator Tim Banks.
UT's defense wasn't perfect last season, but they looked confident and aggressive. And they knew how to get lined up correctly in tempo situations — something the 2020 Volunteers struggled with at times.
While Tennessee's defense will look to continue general improvements this spring, there's one specific area that's getting some extra attention.
Banks told reporters on Thursday that he knows the Vols' third and long defense has to be better in 2021.
"We want to be better on third and long,' said Banks. "I thought we did a really good job of getting guys in what we think are some high-predictable situations, 3rd-and-8, 3rd-and-9."
"We didn't cash in as much as we needed to. We obviously took a deep dive into that and tried to evaluate it from scheme to players…making sure we got the right guys to be there to execute."
The Vols were No. 106 in the nation last season in opponent third-down percentage (43.72%).
That was dead last among SEC programs (the next closest was Missouri at No. 101).
Tennessee obviously needs to improve in that area moving forward, so it's a good thing that Banks made it a priority over the offseason.
The Vols are always going to be a team that gives up a lot of points. That's the impact that an up-tempo offense has on the defense — there are more drives for the opposing offense.
Tennessee doesn't have to be perfect. They just have to start winning their fair share of third-and-long situations. If they can show significant improvement in that area in 2022, then the Vols could easily be a 10-win team.
Featured image via USA TODAY
