Jason Allen isn't about to let Tennessee's defense get satisfied after dominating the second half of Monday night's 30-27 overtime victory at LSU.

Allen said the second half was the defense's best play of the season.

"So far, but at the same time, we don't want to be satisfied with the effort we gave in the second half or the first half," UT's senior cornerback said. "I feel like once you get satisfied, you start getting worse, and we don't want to be satisfied. We want to continue to get better and improve week in and week out."

The defense has kept the Vols in all three games this season, while the offense finally came to life in the second half against LSU.

UT has not allowed a team to rush for more than 100 yards this season. LSU gained 98 yards on the ground. Florida ran for 68. UAB ran for 53.

The Vols lead the SEC in rushing defense, allowing 73 yards per game, but it's the play in the secondary that has been the most pleasant surprise for defensive coordinator John Chavis.

"To be honest with you, there were times early that I thought we'd play better than we did, but it's a really talented group and we've got to see if we can maintain our focus, but I'm really proud of what we've gotten done in the secondary thhs far," Chavis said.

"Again, with (Jonathan) Hefney and (Antwan) Stewart being able to (do) what they've done. If there is any surprise, that would probably be it because that was my biggest concern going in. Those guys have done a good job holding up so far."

Stewart missed the 2004 season while rehabilitating a knee injury and started five games at cornerback in 2003. He has started all three games at strong safety this season.

Hefney started at cornerback last season and has moved to safety, while Allen started at free safety last season and moved to cornerback.

Jonathan Wade is expected to replace Roshaun Fellows as the starting left cornerback Saturday against Ole Miss.

Allen hopes the Vols can match their second half against LSU when they rallied from a 21-0 deficit.

"Offense, defense, special teams, everything started clicking and we got the rhythm," Allen said. "If we can play like that, it's going to be hard for teams to beat us."

Especially if the defense repeats its second half of the LSU game.

"Our guys came out in the second half and they were determined," Chavis said. "It's not any adjustments that we made. It was them being determined that they were going to do whatever it took to win that ballgame.

"It was good feeling that. You could feel it in that locker room at halftime."