Most of the national media isn’t very high on the Tennessee Vols right now despite the team’s 5-1 record at the halfway point of the season.

That’s mostly because the Vols’ offense has looked anemic over the last three weeks.

Tennessee is averaging 21.6 points per game against SEC opponents. It’s been the defense that’s kept the Volunteers in games.

But just because the national media isn’t high on Tennessee doesn’t mean the rest of the SEC feels the same way.

ESPN’s Ryan McGee says the rest of the SEC has taken notice of Tennessee

ESPN’s Ryan McGee joined WNML’s Josh and Swain on Wednesday to preview this weekend’s matchup between Tennessee and Alabama.

During his appearance, McGee pointed out that other SEC coaching staffs are talking about Tennessee’s defense and how it scares them.

“It’s been interesting because we have not been to Knoxville this year for SEC Nation or Marty & McGee, and we’ve been to all these other campuses,” said McGee. “And that’s what these other coaching staffs are talking about. They’re talking about the transformation of this Tennessee defense, and it scares them. Because what has always been, and rightfully so, the book on Josh Heupel’s teams? No matter where he’s been as a coordinator and as a head coach, it’s that you’re gonna have to score a lot of points to keep up with him. But you also know you’re going to have a chance to score a lot of points. That’s not the case anymore.

“That has got everyone in the conference chattering right now. If this thing keeps going in that direction, and if they can keep that defensive coaching staff together — they’ve always had dudes on defense. Now they know what to do with them. It’s pretty remarkable. And I’m not just saying that because I’m saying that. I’m saying that because all these campuses that we’ve been on — the Red River Rivalry, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Baton Rouge — all these places I’ve been this year, that’s what everyone’s talking about is that Tennessee defense.”

Fans and media may be down on Tennessee because of the offensive struggles the last few weeks, but coaches around the SEC know those struggles probably won’t continue. They understand that Tennessee has two young quarterbacks who are going to get better as the season goes along.

If the Vols’ offense can find any sort of rhythm, then they’ll suddenly be a dangerous playoff contender because of their defense, and the rest of the SEC is well aware that’s the case.