Tennessee football's defense makes historic start to the season

Tennessee football improved to 5-1 on Saturday night thanks to another stellar defensive performance. The Vols kept Florida out of the end zone for most of the night, leading to a 23-17 overtime win. 

The offense was less than perfect but was good enough to get the win. The coaching staff might have found a way to get redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava away from the pressure by rolling him out of the pocket and stretching the field with his arm and legs. 

Nico finished the night throwing 16-for-26 for 169 yards and one interception. He wasn't perfect, and he shouldn't be expected to be perfect as a freshman, but there were some improvements when offensive coordinator Joey Halzle called designed rollout passes.

But how good was the defense? The Gators outgained the Vols, but the defense kept them out of the end zone more often than not. Florida finished the night with 261 total yards but went 5-for-15 on third downs and 0-for-2 on fourth downs. 

Tennessee's ability to keep Florida out of the endzone held the Gators to less than 20 points. That marks the sixth time in as many games Tennessee's defense has allowed fewer than 20 points. It is the first time a Tennessee defense can say that since 1969. according to 247 Sports' Wes Rucker on X.

Tennessee has only allowed 10.6 points per game through the first half of the season, which is remarkable considering the defenses we had seen under Josh Heupel before this season. For comparison, the 1969 team averaged 10 points per game, just below this team's mark. 

Tim Banks' defense has given the offense plenty of time to figure itself out. They've experienced ups and downs throughout the season, and now they turn to the Third Saturday in October, with Alabama coming to Rocky Top next weekend.