Tennessee defensive back Cameron Sutton tackles Missouri wide receiver J’Mon Moore during the Vols’ home football game against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Tennessee won their final home game of the season 63-37.KNOXVILLE – Bob Shoop planned to bring what he once termed his magic show to Tennessee.
Instead, his first season as defensive coordinator has turned into a horror show.
In the past two games Tennessee’s injury-ravaged defense surrendered 73 points, 1,375 total yards and 863 rushing yards yet still did enough, namely allowing just five touchdowns in 11 red-zone trips and forcing five turnovers, to ensure the Volunteers won both games.
The Vols gave up a program-record 740 yards to Missouri on Saturday, and breaking a dubious mark set under Sal Sunseri’s watch in 2012 certainly soured Shoop’s first season.
“You can’t stomach it,” he said. “That’s not acceptable. I’m responsible for this side of the football, and we’re very, very fortunate to have a great offense that’s carried the load.”