Just a sample of the defense some like to defend.

[Tnphil]

Our linebackers and DBs were retreating to go protect the Bama logo at the 50 yard line. 

https://x.com/SquintoBe4n/status/1979933253902401959

[VinnieVOL]

Awful.  I'm about ready for a change on defense too...  but idk if our coach will ever make a change.

[VOLMAN]

Our linebackers and DBs were retreating to go protect the Bama logo at the 50 yard line. 

https://x.com/SquintoBe4n/status/1979933253902401959

If you're referring to my statement, I stand by it while NOT defending the defense. Our defense is bad, very bad...I wish we had last years D to go with this years O. But I still say, "last week", the Ds performance was good enough to produce a win if the O had not committed so many game changing mistakes and penalties.   

[Tnphil]

Our linebackers and DBs were retreating to go protect the Bama logo at the 50 yard line.  

https://x.com/SquintoBe4n/status/1979933253902401959

If you're referring to my statement, I stand by it while NOT defending the defense. Our defense is bad, very bad...I wish we had last years D to go with this years O. But I still say, "last week", the Ds performance was good enough to produce a win if the O had not committed so many game changing mistakes and penalties.  

Was referring to several folks that love and defend Banks and the defense he puts on the field....Heupel's offense always looks good until it faces good defenses.

Bama's rush defense is one of the worst in the country....yet we threw 44 times. 48 if you count the 4 sacks.

[VinnieVOL]

Our linebackers and DBs were retreating to go protect the Bama logo at the 50 yard line. 

https://x.com/SquintoBe4n/status/1979933253902401959

If you're referring to my statement, I stand by it while NOT defending the defense. Our defense is bad, very bad...I wish we had last years D to go with this years O. But I still say, "last week", the Ds performance was good enough to produce a win if the O had not committed so many game changing mistakes and penalties.   

Was referring to several folks that love and defend Banks and the defense he puts on the field....Heupel's offense always looks good until it faces good defenses.

Bama's rush defense is one of the worst in the country....yet we threw 44 times. 48 if you count the 3 sacks.

Not saying it gives Banks a pass, but the two starting corners we lost two injury were arguably the best players on defense.  That is a factor.

[volsboy]

It comes down to recruiting and then coaching them. We are better than average at both. Just not elite. As a comparison, the Buckeyes lose a bunch of talent every year but still seem to replace it and contend for championships. We thought we were really good last year. The Buckeyes said nope. Heuple needs to get a more hard nosed defensive mind on his staff. He is typical of what happens many times when an offensive minded head coach doesn't connect with his defensive unit or pay as much attention to them as he should. Vols have sucked on D two of the last 3 three years. Good coaches have the pulse of both their offensive and defensive units. But the age old question, what can you live with,  9-3 every year or playoff contenders every year. We got 9-3 every year. How will we finish off this season? Any bets? We we could win out or lose 3 more games. Elite teams never feel that way. A bad day on offense and we will struggle to beat any SEC team, yes even UK. We need to run the hell out of the ball again.