Despite what the cliche says, defense doesn't always win championships. In fact, it doesn't always win games.

The deeper Tennessee goes into one of the worst seasons in school history, the better the defense looks statistically.

The team is 3-7. The offense is ranked 115th out of 119 teams. But the defense is ranked seventh.

And it's getting better by the week.

Although UT had an open date last week, the defense still moved up in the rankings. Its schedule indicates it could move up even higher.

Saturday's opponent is Vanderbilt, which ranks 116th in total offense. Up next is Kentucky, which ranks 102nd.

UT's defense also will benefit from not having to play in a bowl game, where it likely would face a more competent offense than what it has had to deal with on an average Saturday.

The six teams that rank ahead of UT in defense will all play in bowls. Also, two of those teams - Florida State and Alabama - will have to play Florida, which ranks 25th nationally in total offense.

Bottom line: A possible nine-loss UT team could finish as high as third nationally in defense.

What do you make of that?

Before answering, check the schedule.

The Vols opened the season against UCLA, which ranks 107th in total offense. Their last game was against Wyoming, which ranks 110th.

In between, they have played Mississippi State (111th), Auburn (99th), South Carolina (96th), and Northern Illinois (83rd). After UT closes against Vanderbilt and Kentucky, seven of its 12 opponents likely will rank in the bottom 25 offensively and eight will be in the bottom third.

Georgia (23rd) and Florida (25th) are the only teams UT has played with top-25 offenses. Alabama is ranked 50th and UAB, 47th.

UT's defensive ranking isn't based solely on the ineptitude of opposing offenses. But you can't say that star power has much to do with it.

Strong safety Eric Berry is an obvious first-team All-SEC pick. However, he's not the only UT defender having a good season.

Linebacker Ellix Wilson is tied for third in the SEC in tackles per game. End Robert Ayers ranks second in the conference in tackles for loss. Tackle Dan Williams has played well. And linebacker Rico McCoy has been much more productive in the second half of the season.

Individual play often loses its significance in a season as bad as this one. Statistics don't have as much impact, either.

But years from now, the ranking will remain. And no one will remember how many bad offenses this team played.

Instead, UT fans will look back on a defense that got virtually no help from its offense, yet finished in the top 10 in defense.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.