Tennessee Football’s Defense Near Top Nationally In A Myriad Of Statistics

Tennessee football’s defense put together another elite performance in the Vols’ 24-17 win over Alabama on Saturday afternoon at Neyland Stadium.

The Crimson Tide totaled just 314 total yards against Tennessee’s offense including just 75 yards on the ground. Tennessee made major plays both to keep points off the scoreboard as well as to put the game away in the closing minutes.

It was a continuation of a dominant season for Tennessee’s defense but the Vols doing it against a highly touted Alabama offense silenced any remaining doubters. Through seven games this season, Tennessee hasn’t allowed a single opponent to reach 20 points with its four SEC foes averaging 17 points per game.

Now a good chunk of the way into the season, the sample size is large enough to say that Tennessee has one of the best defenses in the country thanks to a stellar defensive line and a secondary that’s exceeding expectations.

Tim Banks’ unit ranks near the top nationally and in the SEC in a number of defensive statistics so far this season. Taking a look at them here.

More From RTI: Tennessee Climbs Back Into AP Top 10 After Defeating Alabama

Tennessee Defensive Stats

Yards Per Play

• 4.03
• 2nd nationally

Rushing Defense

• 79 yards per game
• 2nd nationally
• 2nd in SEC

Third Down Defense

• 23.7%
• 2nd nationally
• 1st in SEC

Scoring Defense

• 11.6 points per game
• 4th nationally
• 3rd in SEC

Tackles For Loss

• 59
• 3rd nationally
• 2nd in SEC

Total Defense (Yards Per Game Allowed)

• 259
• 4th nationally
• 2nd in SEC

Fourth Down Defense

• 25%
• 5th nationally
• 1st in SEC

Red Zone Scoring Rate

• 65.2%
• 6th nationally
• 2nd in SEC

First Downs Allowed

• 112
• T-14th nationally
• 4th in SEC

Team Passing Defense Efficiency

• 113.32
• 20th nationally
• 4th in SEC