Defense established control from the start

Tennessee's jerseys changed. Its defense didn't.

The Vols continued to stifle opposing offenses on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. This time it was South Carolina, which Tennessee beat 31-13.

UT almost shut out the Gamecocks in the first half thanks to a fast start. A field goal late in the second quarter was South Carolina's only score as UT's defense established control.

The Gamecocks only drove into UT territory once in the first half - to the UT 26 - which resulted in their lone first half score.

It started early as the Vols put their offense in great position with two forced fumbles on South Carolina's first two drives.

"It was huge," UT coach Lane Kiffin said of the start, which will also be remembered by UT's black jerseys. "We played great defense lately but we had not been an explosive defense."

The Vols were plenty explosive against South Carolina. UT forced four turnovers.

"They really went after the ball today," Kiffin said of his defense.

UT also recorded two sacks, which helped break a growing streak. The Vols hadn't registered a sack since the Florida game in September. Moreover, UT got pressure on quarterback Stephen Garcia without its best pass rushing defensive end. Junior Chris Walker missed the game due to a sore back.

Garcia threw for 300 yards but most of that came as he tried to lead the Gamecocks back into contention in the second half.

Garcia completed just 50 percent of his passes (25 of 50) for one touchdown and an interception.

"We felt we had to get him out of rhythm," Kiffin said. "We had to bring a bunch of different blitzes.

"We had to rattle Garcia because if he gets in rhythm and starts running around making plays with those big receivers, it can be a long day."

UT also contained Garcia on the ground, which was a major concern voiced by Kiffin last week. Garcia only ran for eight yards.

The strong showing was nothing new. UT's defense didn't give up a touchdown in 175 consecutive minutes of play this season.

The streak lasted over 10 quarters. It began in the fourth quarter of the Auburn game and ended in the third quarter against South Carolina when Garcia threw a touchdown pass to Moe Brown.

Kiffin said UT's recent ascension on defense is a direct result of senior defensive tackle Dan Williams' improved play.

"Dan has really been the center of change in our defense, as far as our defense going from a good defense to … I think playing like a great defense," Kiffin said. "It all starts with Dan. Dan is playing so much better up there. He's a dominant force. He's making himself a lot of money."

Williams' NFL fate should benefit from his improved study habits, a reason he said his play has improved.

"There's a whole bunch of film study, said Williams, who had a sack, four tackles, a fumble recovery and three quarterback hurries.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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