No one would argue that Tennessee has fielded a superb defense this season. But is it championship caliber?

UT coach Phillip Fulmer didn't shy away from comparing this defense with the 1998 defense, which helped the Vols win a national championship.

"It has the beginnings of looking like we are certainly headed in the right direction," Fulmer said.

The Vols of then and now have faced far different challenges. UT's 1998 defense faced two of the top offenses in the nation to start the season: Syracuse and Florida.

This year, UT has faced an enemy within. Special teams miscues and an offense ranked 94th in the nation have given the Vols a short field more times than not.

Still, the Vols have allowed 17.7 points per game this season. That 17.7 average falls to 15.4 if you take out the touchdown scored on an interception by quarterback Erik Ainge against LSU. The Vols have given up five scoring drives this season of 35 yards or more.

Expect more defense when the Vols (2-1, 1-1 SEC) play host to Ole Miss (1-2, 0-1) on Saturday (TV: WVLT, 12:30 p.m.).

UT's 2005 defensive line is led by preseason All-America defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona, who has four tackles for loss this season. Fellow linemen Parys Haralson, Jason Hall and Justin Harrell have combined for 7.5 plays behind the line of scrimmage.

UT's 1998 defensive line was led by end Shaun Ellis, who was selected in the first round of the NFL draft, and Darwin Walker, who was selected in the third round.

"Our defensive front, as a whole, is probably as good or better than that group," Fulmer said. "Our defensive tackles probably are."

In the secondary, Fulmer cited a similarity between the two defenses, a shutdown corner. Dwayne Goodrich fit the bill in 1998. This season, it's Jason Allen.

The other cornerback spot is easily comparable. In 1998, it was speedster Steve Johnson. His 2005 counterpart is the quick Jonathan Wade, who is competing for a starting spot with Roshaun Fellows.

As for safety, UT's coaches have praised Jonathan Hefney and Antwan Stewart. However, the two are not yet as solid as Deon Grant, the exciting playmaker, and Fred White, the tough run stopper.

"Deon Grant was a special player," Fulmer said. "We're probably not there yet."

Grant's soaring, one-handed interception against Florida in 1998 was one of the key defensive highlights. Allen said the Vols need more of those types of plays.

"We need more interceptions," the All-American defensive back said. "We're not giving up the big play but we need to start making big plays and turn turnovers into touchdowns.

"I feel like this can be the best defense to ever come through Tennessee. I'm going to believe that until I die."

The strength of the 1998 defense: Linebackers with Al Wilson, Raynoch Thompson and Eric Westmoreland. All made it to the NFL and Wilson is considered one of the best middle linebackers in the league.

Fulmer said Kevin Simon, Omar Gaither and Jason Mitchell are holding their own.

"The linebacker corps is certainly comparable," Fulmer said. "Maybe not an Al Wilson personality in the group, but very favorably comparable."

No one close to UT's program would argue that Wilson was the leader of the 1998 defense. Wilson led with an iron fist and a deep-seated passion that inspired his teammates, sometimes out of fear.

This year's defense doesn't have that unquestioned leader. Instead, coaches say the 2005 unit has an overall desire to improve during every single practice, a unique trait.

"It's the whole group," defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said. "They just work so hard together. It's a unique group. Hopefully, they can keep that up.

"This group has something special about it like that (1998) group did. They just bust their butts every day.

"They're fun to be around. There have been years when you feel like a cheerleader on the practice field trying to get them to get after it. This bunch comes to work and that's what's made them special."

Fulmer said the all-important leadership doesn't stop with the three defensive captains on the team.

"A couple of guys like Omar (Gaither) and Kevin (Simon) and Jason (Mitchell) aren't captains but are doing great jobs leading," he said.

Fulmer is happy with his defense but he's not content. He knows that injuries could test his defense's depth sooner rather than later. Then, he'll need others to step up.

"We have a few guys that need to be more of an impact than they have been," Fulmer said. "That's a bit more learning how to practice more than it is anything with (defensive linemen) Robert Ayers and Demonte Bolden. A couple of guys like that should be helping us more at this point."

Fulmer would never admit it but he might be nitpicking to motivate a defense that has already shown championship merit.

"I'm real happy with what we've gotten done in three games defensively," Fulmer said. "How could I not be?"