Defense doesn't play up to previous standard

Game recap: Tennessee 34, Ohio 23

Say this for Tennessee's defense. They kept it interesting.

The Vols' defenders turned in some big plays and big gaffes in a 34-23 victory over Ohio in Neyland Stadium on Saturday.

UT's defense did a bit of everything: a defensive end intercepted a pass for a touchdown, an acclaimed secondary yielded long pass plays and there was even an emotional goal-line stand.

UT coach Lane Kiffin was not pleased with his defense's performance against Ohio's offense, which ranked 104th in total offense heading into Saturday's game.

"We looked like a different defense today than what you're used to seeing," Kiffin said. "We've got to make plays."

The Vols were without defensive back Dennis Rogan, who was suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules.

Injuries were certainly a factor. The Vols were without linebacker LaMarcus Thompson (back) and defensive tackle Wes Brown (knee) to start the game. Then it got even worse.

Middle linebacker Nick Reveiz is likely lost for the season after suffering a knee injury, Kiffin said.

Defensive end Chris Walker sat out most of the second half with a sore back. Linebacker Herman Lathers left the game with a concussion. Cornerback Marsalous Johnson, who had a sore thumb, knee and back, was limited throughout the game.

"I think I looked out there on the last series and we only had five starters from the defense we played with last week," Kiffin said.

Kiffin, however, refused to let the mounting injuries affect his expectations.

"It doesn't matter who's in there," he said. "There are no excuses. We've got to play better. I don't care who's in there. Make the plays. Do things right."

Kiffin said he was particularly displeased with UT's lack of success in stopping Ohio on third down. The Bobcats were 7 of 18 against UT's defense.

Kiffin's thoughts on his defensive line were mixed. At times the Vols looked unstoppable.

UT registered five tackles for a loss but no sacks. Kiffin said his defensive front wasn't nearly consistent enough against what most considered an overmatched Ohio offensive line.

The ultimate highlight from UT's defensive line came when Walker intercepted a screen pass and ran seven yards into the end zone. The junior has certainly made his presence felt this season.

Walker registered six tackles and a sack at Florida, forced a fumble against UCLA and registered four tackles with 1 1/2 for a loss against Western Kentucky in his first career start.

"I knew something was up," Walker said of the interception. "The ball just came right to me. I knew what to do with it."

Walker, who also had a tackle for a loss against Ohio, said his back won't be an issue and he'll return this week.

"It's just something I have to fight through," Walker said of the persistent injury that he re-aggravated Saturday.

The Bobcats relied on screen passes throughout the game but had success downfield when they decided to throw deep against UT's rebuilt secondary. Cornerback Brent Vinson struggled in his first start this season.

"I thought Brent didn't play well today," Kiffin said. "I thought that was pretty obvious. They were picking on him, going at him."

To help - or hide - Vinson, the Vols switched him with Art Evans, who had been limited in practice this week with laryngitis. Evans then gave up a 59-yard reception in the fourth quarter.

Emotions were varied among players and coaches following the game. The Vols were happy to win but not pleased with their effort.

Then there was the concern over Reveiz, who worked himself from walk-on to starter to possibly UT's best linebacker before his injury.

"It's crazy," linebacker Rico McCoy said. "He's been in the fire. He's a tough player and he's a good leader for the defense. We're going to miss him if he's not coming back."