Tennessee climbs several spots in ESPN’s power rankings after win over Kentucky despite showing ‘an obvious Achilles heel’
The Tennessee Vols improved to 6-2 thanks to their 56-34 win over the Kentucky Wildcats this past weekend.
The Tennessee Vols climbed a few spots in ESPN’s updated college football power rankings following their 56-34 win over the Kentucky Wildcats.
Tennessee fell to No. 18 in last week’s power rankings after a tough loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.
The Vols are up to No. 15 in this week’s power rankings, despite having what ESPN’s Bill Connelly described as “an obvious Achilles heel”.
ESPN’s Bill Connelly calls Tennessee’s defense “on obvious Achilles heel”
A blowout win against Kentucky in prime time on the road was exactly what Tennessee needed this past weekend to get back on track after the loss to Alabama.
The Vols, however, still gave up 34 points to a Kentucky team that had been offensively challenged coming into the game.
“Any improvement would be welcome for Tennessee’s defense,” wrote Connelly. “The Volunteers came into Saturday’s game at Kentucky having allowed at least 24 points against every FBS opponent to date (plus 17 against ETSU), and they allowed 34 points and 476 yards to a shaky UK attack. The offense scored 56, thanks to Joey Aguilar’s 396 yards and three touchdowns, and Tennessee moved to 6-2 overall. But defense is an obvious Achilles heel. Kentucky’s Cutter Boley threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns, and the Vols’ pass rush, a strength to date, managed just one sack. If there was a bright spot, however — besides the win — it’s that an inefficient run defense stepped up, allowing just 3.7 yards per carry to Kentucky running backs. And hey, it’s always better to talk about what needs improvement after a win.”
Tennessee’s defense has been a mystery to everyone this season. The Vols give up a ton of yards, and they give up plenty of points, but Tennessee’s defense also consistently makes game-changing plays that puts the offense in a position to win the game. It’s a very feast or famine approach.
The Vols’ big-play potential on defense will keep Tennessee in games down the stretch. But the Vols still need to find a way to limit scoring if they’re going to have a chance to make a deep playoff run this winter.
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