Saban: Tennessee’s Defense “One of the Most Underrated Units in College Football”
By Tucker Harlin
The 2024 Tennessee Volunteers have become a national media darling, something few in the fan base thought was achievable just seven years ago given the repulsive state of the program.
Among those who are singing the praise of the Vols in the media landscape is legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban.
Saban made an appearance on the Pat McAfee show Friday, voicing his approval of Tennessee’s early success and its impact on a national level.
"I think Tennessee has one of the most underrated defensive units in College Football..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 27, 2024
Their defense is the real deal and defense always travels" ~ Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/KkHW1UEhRZ
“I think Tennessee’s defense is probably one of the most underrated units in college football. You talk about the offense, you talk about Nico, but their defense is the real deal,” Saban said “They played really well in the last game. I think the good thing about having a good defense is people say all the time ‘defense travels’ and when you’re playing on the road you can play well on defense.”
Both sides of the budding bromance that is Pat McAfee and Nick Saban have been complimentary of the Vols in the opening portion of the season.
McAfee has always kept a soft spot for the Vols due to his relationship with Peyton Manning.
Even though the Vols are one of Alabama’s three most hated rivals in the SEC, Saban always kept a mutual respect as a competitor when he faced Tennessee. Of Saban’s battles with the Vols, only a couple of them (2009, 2015) were testy before the arrival of Josh Heupel.
