The Tennessee Vols' defense has played above expectations this season under defensive coordinator Tim Banks.

Tennessee currently leads the nation in tackles for loss per game (8.75) which is a testament to the incredible job that Banks, who is in his first season with the Vols, has done so far this season.

But despite the impressive tackles for loss stat, there's still one glaring defensive weakness that has plagued the Volunteers all season.

Opposing quarterbacks using their legs to pick up chunk yardage.

For whatever reason, Tennessee hasn't been able to stop opposing quarterbacks from successfully running the ball — especially in critical third-down situations.

Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral gashed the Vols' defense for 195 rushing yards in the Rebels' 31-26 win against Tennessee last month.

Corral's previous season-high was 94 rushing yards against Arkansas. This past week, Corral rushed for 45 yards in the Rebels' loss to Auburn.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young had -2 rushing yards on the season before playing Tennessee in late October. Young rushed for 42 yards against the Vols.

Stopping opposing quarterbacks from running the ball is clearly a major issue for UT.

But fortunately for the Vols, Banks is cognizant of the problem and working hard to solve it.

"Typically, if you struggle with anything on tape, the offense the following week finds a way to put it in their scheme," said Banks on Tuesday. "We're aware of it (quarterbacks running the ball with success against UT) and like I said, I know he (Kentucky QB Will Levis) can run it. They haven't run him a ton all year, but he has scrambled and made some guys miss, and guys have fell off of him."

"Our guys are very aware of how strong he is and that he can run. We've worked very hard during the bye week and this week to try to sure up some things, but obviously we have to do it in a game."

Banks has managed to rapidly improve the Vols' defense since arriving in Knoxville just nine months ago.

There's still a lot of work to do, but it seems clear that Banks has the right approach to coaching defense.

If Banks can clean up the issues that are causing Tennessee to give up yards to quarterbacks on the ground, then the Vols should have a legitimate shot at winning at least three of their final four games this season.

Featured image via Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports