The Tennessee Volunteers’ defense has been dominant through the first four weeks of the college football season, allowing just 7 points per game. This elite performance has vaulted the Vols into the top five nationally in fewest points allowed per game.
But beyond the impressive stats, how does Tennessee’s defense stack up against the best in the country? Two former Super Bowl champions gave their resounding endorsement of the Vols during a CBS Sports panel discussion. Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Aaron Taylor and ex-San Francisco 49ers star Randy Cross both ranked Tennessee’s defense above Georgia and other SEC powerhouses.
Who has the best defense in the SEC?@AaronTaylorCFB ➡️ @Vol_Football @CoachNeuheisel ➡️ @GeorgiaFootball @JonesN4mo ➡️ @TexasFootball @randycrossFB ➡️ @Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/lzR8E8MTDr
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 25, 2024
“I’m gonna say Tennessee, just because watching them on tape, they’re elite at the defensive line position,” said Taylor, who won Super Bowl XXXI with the Packers. “As a former offensive lineman, you can appreciate what they do there. This Tennessee team looks complete. Every time I put the tape on, they’re impressive.”
While other panelists chose Georgia and Texas, Cross—who won three Super Bowls with the 49ers—also gave his vote to Tennessee, adding a light-hearted dig about a common debate.
“I’m going with UT—Tennessee, sorry,” Cross joked. “Tennessee, the number one overall defense in the SEC, the number one rushing defense in the SEC. They’re the perfect complement to Heupel’s offense. If you panic at all against this defense, you’re in serious trouble.”
Both Taylor and Cross, having battled in the trenches against elite defensive fronts during their NFL careers, know a thing or two about recognizing dominant play. And while Tennessee’s defense has shown strength across the board, it’s their front line, particularly against the run and disrupting opposing backfields, that has stood out.
The Vols have started the season strong, but as the competition ramps up, they’ll need to maintain their high level of play. With endorsements from two seasoned Super Bowl champions, it’s clear that experts believe Tennessee has the firepower to keep up the pressure and continue their rise as one of the nation’s best defenses.