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Defensive improvement ‘rewarding’ for Tennessee’s Jancek

Alabama quarterback Jake Coker is hit by Tennessee defensive linemen Owen Williams, bottom, and Corey Vereen during Saturday's SEC matchup in Tuscaloosa. Alabama coach Nick Saban and his players noted the improvement of this year's Vols over recent Tennessee teams.
Alabama quarterback Jake Coker is hit by Tennessee defensive linemen Owen Williams, bottom, and Corey Vereen during Saturday's SEC matchup in Tuscaloosa. Alabama coach Nick Saban and his players noted the improvement of this year's Vols over recent Tennessee teams.

By Patrick Brown 4 min read

GETTING DEFENSIVE

Here’s how many yards Tennessee’s defense allowed in each game this season.Bowling Green: 557Oklahoma: 298Western Carolina: 279Florida: 392Arkansas: 494Georgia: 444Alabama: 364Kentucky: 349South Carolina: 385North Texas: 199Missouri: 223

KNOXVILLE – The shaky start to the season seems like it was forever ago, especially considering how Tennessee’s defense is playing now.

The questions about that side were loud when the Volunteers allowed 557 yards to Bowling Green in early September.

Now the top question might be if Tennessee can pitch a second shutout in three games.

“These guys have been great to work with,” defensive coordinator John Jancek said after Tuesday’s practice. “They do anything we ask them to do. They’re committed. They’re focused. It’s really been a very – and I know the year’s not over – but up to this point it’s been very rewarding to work with these guys because they want to get better.