UT defense’s next step is to get really good
Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks said he's “not a big stat guy.”
That's a good thing because his defense's numbers don't reflect its performance. And that may always be the case, even if UT challenges for the SEC East title in future seasons.
The Vols rank 12th in the SEC in scoring defense and 11th in total defense among 14 teams. Yet Banks was nominated for a Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.
Five other SEC defensive coordinators nominated all had defenses ranked higher than UT'S in points and yards allowed.
Why is that? Because Banks is being graded on a curve, and rightfully so.
UT'S up-tempo offense leads the nation in plays per minute (2.94) and has the lowest time of possession (24:23) in FBS. That means even when it plays well, Banks' defense is on the field longer than any in college football.
But Banks shrugs it off as if that's part of the job description to coach defense under offensive-minded coach Josh Heupel.
“If we're playing a lot of snaps, that's a good thing because we've got more opportunities to make plays and give the ball back to our offense, so they can be explosive and do what they do,” Banks said Tuesday. “If we've got to go back out there in 10 plays or three plays, it's just another opportunity to play good defense.”
That perspective makes Banks a good fit to coach defense on Heupel's staff. And it's probably why the grateful head coach nominated Banks for the Broyles Award and often praises his work.
An complementary defense has helped put the Vols (5-5) within one win of bowl eligibility. They will play South Alabama (5-5) on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU) and Vanderbilt (2-8) on Nov. 27 (3:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network).
Why UT'S defensive numbers are deceiving
Banks and his defensive staff are being praised for exceeding expectations and complementing UT'S dynamic offense rather than dominating games.
After all, the Vols have allowed 29.5 points per game. That's less than last year's 30.1-point average under Jeremy Pruitt but higher than the previous seven seasons. UT'S offense averages 36.1 points per game, the program's secondbest mark during that same period.
Banks inherited a thin depth chart ravaged by the transfer portal and carrying few proven playmakers. But several UT defenders have had career-best years in 2021.
It's been a successful transition. Now the next step for Banks is taking UT'S defense from commendable to really good.
Banks' system is relatively effective. But it will take a steady stream of talented recruits and transfers for the Vols to turn the corner.
“We don't necessarily worry about what we have to do in terms of getting the right guys in here,” Banks said. “We feel like we've got the right guys in here already. We've just got to continue to work and develop them, and hopefully more guys want to be part of something special that we're building here at UT.”
'Be the hammer not the nail'
Banks' brand of defense appears solidified. He values simplicity, fundamentals and aggression.
The Vols rank 10th in FBS and second in the SEC in tackles-for-loss (76). When Banks was a Broyles Award nominee in 2011, his Cincinnati defense led the nation in tackles-for-loss.
UT players say this defense is similar to Pruitt's scheme last season, but Banks' version is simplified— allowing for easier read-and-react play.
“There's always going to be adjustments, depending on the type of offense you're playing against,” defensive tackle Omari Thomas said. “But we try to keep
our system the same and make teams adjust to what we do because we want to be the hammer not the nail.”
Give Banks credit for making the Vols competitive on their lesser known side of the ball. But he's tested the limits of this roster.
The defense has played 803 snaps in 10 games. That puts it on pace to eclipse the 1,033 snaps by the 2016 UT defense, the most by the Vols in the eight years Pro Football Focus has recorded that data.
“We've kind of emptied the tank and played everybody we can if they're a warm body,” Banks said. “… But you always adapt to your personnel. And then you recruit and try to develop.”