Vols Defense Announces Itself to Nation
Photo via UT Sports
By Jon Reed
I must start this off with an apology.
I like to hold myself accountable, both good and bad. When I’m right, I’ve been known to leave bruises on my back from patting myself with too much vigor. In the very rare instances that I’m wrong, I sometimes leave bruises on my thighs from punching them out of anger.
So, here I am… ready to apologize and take ownership of my mistakes.
My on-record prediction of a 52-24 victory for Tennessee was disrespectful to the Tennessee defense. Please forgive me, Tim Banks; I beg for grace, Rodney Garner.
The Duke’s Mayo Massacre was a statement game.
The statement was received by the college football world. This team isn’t just about Nico. The 2024 Vols maybe aren’t even an offensive team at all. Their strength may just be on the defensive side of the ball.
The Volunteer front 7 dominated North Carolina State. The secondary was equally up to the task. And equally as nasty.
The entire unit just kept knocking down and running through the Wolfpack offense play after play.
After play.
After play.
After play.
13 tackles for loss. No third down conversions after the first drive. 22 fewer total yards allowed than Dylan Sampson had himself.
People called me a madman. They said I was off of my rocker for declaring that Tennessee was good enough to compete for a national championship this season. They believed that I must have bumped my head multiple times to claim that I was more excited about the ‘24 Vols before they had even played a real game than I had been at any point in 2022.
It was because of my belief in the defense.
So far, they’ve been even better than I imagined. The defensive line belongs in the conversation for best units in the entire country. There are at least five or six NFL guys in the rotation.
Nico and the offense will have their moments of brilliance, don’t get me wrong. The difference between just making the playoffs and advancing a game or two (or three or four) will come down to what the defense does.
Other observations
Tennessee nailed the transfer portal. Chris Brazzell II, Jakobe Thomas, Jermod McCoy, Lance Heard, Holden Staes and Miles Kitselman all seem like impact players.
Staes and Kitselman set the tone offensively on the Vols first TD drive. The two tight ends both cleared the way for Sampson as the Vols took a 7-0 lead (and got the cover for the first quarter spread). Shoutout to them. Josh Heupel’s offense with three capable tight ends is a scary wrinkle. NC State and their gimmicky 3-3-5 defense had no answer for The Vols power attack and 12 personnel. I’m glad they both got rewarded with touchdown catches.
Nico threw two interceptions and wasn’t perfect.
He was still really damn good. He controlled the game with 3 total touchdowns and 276 yards including the one to make us a bunch of money on the team total OVER of 34.5 (thanks, Vegas). His legs are going to be a major factor for Tennessee’s aspirations. He looked bigger and faster than everyone.
Small nitpicks
The WRs only caught 7 passes for 103 yards and no touchdowns. Squirrel could’ve kept his feet on the long beautiful bomb from Nico. If he did, I probably don’t have this nitpick. We also didn’t really need to get them involved due to gameflow and the way Tennessee was dominating without them. I had to find something to complain a little about.
“Hey, man… good job” of the game
DeSean Bishop was the hustle guy of the week this week chasing down a pick 6. He didn’t get there, but he tried. I call it championship culture, and this team has it. Everyone that is in the game has to play incredibly hard when they’re in or else someone on the bench will take their reps. Competition, baby! Iron sharpens iron.
Also, just another shoutout to Miles Kitselman. He was kind of an afterthought addition after choosing to transfer to Tennessee from Alabama. He’s been a baller so far.
Vibe check for next week
The Kent State game is going to be boring, but I appreciate the spot it’s in. Let’s avoid any type of let down game, stay healthy, and get continue to develop depth and build stats.