The Tennessee Vols looked like the best team in the nation on Saturday night against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Tennessee, which entered the game ranked No. 3 in the country, demolished Kentucky, winning 44-6 in front of a sold-out Neyland Stadium.

The Vols' win against the Wildcats on Saturday night looked a lot different than their 45-42 against Kentucky last season.

Tennessee scored at will, but unlike last year, Kentucky didn't.

The Vols' defense showed up in a big way against Kentucky on Saturday.

Tennessee held Will Levis, a favorite in the NFL draft community, to just 16-of-27 passing for 98 yards and three interceptions. The Vols made him look more like an undrafted free agent than an early-round draft pick.

UT also held Wildcats running back Chris Rodriguez to 64 yards on 15 carries.

(Rodriguez will play on Sundays, but the Vols held him in check.)

In total, Kentucky managed just 205 total yards. A lot of that was because the Vols got plenty of pressure on Levis by generating four sacks.

I know the Wildcats don't have a lethal offense, but they have talented players who can do damage. And the Vols completely shut them down.

The big question entering the second half of the season when it came to Tennessee was whether or not their defense could get better.

After that showing against Kentucky, I'd say the answer is unequivocally yes.

Tennessee's defense played with swagger and confidence. They stepped up and made big plays. The Vols never let Levis get comfortable. And when he took chances down the field, Tennessee made him pay via either interceptions or sacks.

The one thing that could hold the Vols back this season is their defense. But on Saturday night, their defense looked elite against a top-25 team.

Now, obviously, Tennessee will have to continue to prove their defense can play at a high level. But if they can maintain this level of play, they're going to be awfully tough to beat in November, December, and January.

As good as the Vols have been this season, we haven't seen them at their best yet.

This team might end up peaking at just the right time. And that's often the key to winning a championship.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports