Dominant defense and second-half DeSean Bishop: The keys to success for Volunteer football

By Sawyer Hunley

Tennessee won its second matchup against a top-10 opponent of the season Saturday, defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 34-6.

Tennessee is 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the Southeastern Conference, remaining in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth. But success this season has come much differently than in previous years under head coach Josh Heupel.

Defensive Improvements 

In Heupel’s first five seasons at Tennessee, his defenses allowed a combined average of 23.4 points per game, including 28.8 points per game last season. Those seasons were played under defensive coordinator Tim Banks.

This past offseason, Heupel dismissed Banks and hired Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator to address issues on that side of the ball.

Knowles delivered immediately.

In Knowles’ inaugural season, Tennessee’s defense is allowing 15.1 points per game, ranking among the top 10 nationally. Tennessee also leads the SEC with 39 sacks.

“I think Jim’s able to take advantage of the skill sets of our players, and that comes in a lot of different forms and fashions,” Heupel said Monday.

Bishop’s Dominance

Under Heupel, the Tennessee offense traditionally favored downfield passing. This season, however, the Volunteers rely heavily on running back DeSean Bishop and the ground game.

Bishop ranks in the top 10 nationally in both rushing yards and touchdowns. His performance has put him in the conversation for both the Doak Walker Award and the Heisman Trophy.

While Bishop excels overall, he separates himself in the second half. The Karns High School product averages 73.4 rushing yards per second half, leading the SEC.

“DeSean’s a great player,” Heupel said. “What he’s done with his body since he arrived this offseason, how he takes care of it during the course of the week and gets ready for game day, is a major part of why he gets stronger throughout the course of the football game.”

Bishop and the rushing attack have anchored a developing Tennessee offense, providing stability for an inexperienced quarterback.

While the style differs from what Volunteer fans expect under Heupel, it still delivers wins.

UP NEXT – Tennessee faces another test Saturday when it travels to College Station, Texas, to play Texas A&M. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. EST on ESPN.