Josh Heupel: Tennessee football’s standard is to be elite on defense

Josh Heupel is known for his up-tempo, fast-paced offense, which was created to shred defenses, but Tennessee football's defense has taken the biggest step in the right direction to start the 2024 season. 

In years past, the Vols' defense has handicapped the program from becoming legitimate national title contenders. The secondary, especially, has struggled to stop some of the better offenses they have faced, but that seems to have changed early into the year. 

Tennessee's defense has looked just as impressive as the offense this year, which could be a result of Heupel's approach and attitude toward the defense after facing numerous struggles in his first few seasons on Rocky Top. 

He's right. This is why Phillip Fulmer hired Jeremy Pruitt in 2019. Tennessee expects to be good on defense. While Pruitt didn't work out for multiple reasons, the new additions to the defensive coaching staff, additional recruiting efforts, and emphasis on the portal have helped the Tennessee defense grow into contenders. 

The Vols defense also put on a classic performance on Saturday in Charlotte. They held NC State to 143 yards of offense, ten first downs, 39 rushing yards, two forced fumbles, and a pick-six. 

If the Vols continue to improve throughout the season, that type of defensive performance could carry them to a championship. 

Tennessee joins Georgia as the only two defenses in the FBS to not allow a touchdown in the past 12 quarters, going back to their bowl game. The Vols' only touchdown allowed came on a pick-six against NC State. 

Tennessee will look to continue its dominance on both sides of the ball as it prepares for Kent State in Week Three. The Vols and Golden Flashes will kick off at 7:45 PM ET on the SEC Network.