How the Tennessee Vols defense performed at an elite level in 2021
The Tennessee Vols' improved offense received most of the attention this season. And for good reason. The Vols' averaged 38.8 points per game in 2021 (No. 9 in the nation). That was quite an improvement over the 21.5 points per game that Tennessee averaged in 2020 under Jeremy Pruitt. UT's defense, however, deserves some attention, […]
The Tennessee Vols' improved offense received most of the attention this season.
And for good reason. The Vols' averaged 38.8 points per game in 2021 (No. 9 in the nation). That was quite an improvement over the 21.5 points per game that Tennessee averaged in 2020 under Jeremy Pruitt.
UT's defense, however, deserves some attention, too.
If you only look at the numbers, you might not think Tennessee's defense improved much from last season. The Vols gave up 27.5 points per game this season (No. 78 in the nation). In 2020, UT gave up 30.1 points per game (No. 69 in the nation).
That appears to be just a slight improvement (some might even argue there was no improvement since the Vols didn't have the benefit of playing opponents like Tennessee Tech and South Alabama in 2020).
But the numbers don't always tell the full story.
Tennessee's defense gave up some points this season. But that's mostly because opposing offenses had more chances, thanks to the Vols' up-tempo offense.
Faster UT drives = more possessions for opposing offenses. More possessions = more points.
Tennessee was -9 in scoring margin last season. They were +11 this season. As long as that number is positive, the Vols are just fine with giving up some points.
If you go beyond the scoring numbers, it's easy to see that UT's defense played at an elite level at times.
Here's some proof:
Tennessee was one of the most effective teams in the nation against Georgia's elite pass protection this season.
The Vols had three players — Byron Young, Matthew Butler, and Aaron Beasley — that were among the top five players in quarterback pressures against the Bulldogs and their vaunted offensive line.
Tennessee's defense wasn't perfect in 2021. There were areas where the Vols struggled — specifically when the quarterback escaped the pocket.
But there were definite signs of improvement under defensive coordinator Tim Banks.
When Josh Heupel was hired, he said he wanted UT's defense to play aggressively and attack opposing offenses.
I'd say the Vols delivered on that vision this season.
Featured image via Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
