One of the main concerns that fans have when it comes to the Tennessee Vols' potent offense under Josh Heupel is that opposing SEC teams will eventually "figure it out".

Detractors of Tennessee's offense like to suggest that it's "simple" and that top defensive coordinators will be able to adjust to it once they've seen it enough.

That line of thinking, however, is flawed.

Tennessee's offense is more complex than folks realize. Heupel is known for his extremely wide splits with wide receivers and for moving at a breakneck speed. But that's only part of what the Vols do offensively.

Heupel and his staff are always evolving. And it's because they know they have to stay a step ahead of defenses in the SEC.

Vols offensive coordinator Joey Halzle appeared on WNML's "SportsTalk" last month and he explained Tennessee's philosophy when it comes to staying ahead of opposing defenses.

“Every year, you’re looking for the one or two things, whether they be big or small, to help make that jump to the even higher level,” said Halzle.

“And people do a great job of scouting in this league, so you’re always going to have to have something that changes it up," added Halzle. "We’re still going to be who we are, but there’s always going to be the one or two things, like you saw us get into a few more condensed sets this year than we had in the past, and whatever it’s going to be this coming year that after we look at it like, ‘Hey, this is going to be beneficial.’ I think a lot of that has to do once you figure out exactly what your personnel is going to be.”

Tennessee's ability to adapt and constantly show new things on film is what gives me confidence that Heupel and his staff will continue to find a way to stay a step or two ahead of defenses.

There will be things we see from the Vols in 2023 that we didn't see in 2022 or 2021.

And they'll mix everything they've done together to create a month's worth of work for opponents that only have a week to actually prepare for Tennessee.

There's no reason to think the Vols' offense will be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, it should be even better in year three of the Heupel era.

Because remember — while defenses are studying Tennessee's offense, the Vols are studying opposing defenses looking for new weaknesses they can attack.

Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK