Josh Heupel sets standards for Tennessee’s defense during a series without touchdowns

Josh Heupel knows his offense can be a lot of fun in Tennessee, but he’s not reaching the level of defense the Vols are looking for.

On Saturday, Tennessee defeated NC State 51-10, totaling over 450 yards of offense. The Wolfpack did score one touchdown, but it came on a pick-6 by Nico Iamaleava.

That means the Vols haven’t allowed a single offensive point in 12 quarters since last season. Tennessee finished the 2023 season with a shutout against Iowa in the bowl game.

Speaking to the media after the game, Heupel said that having an elite defense is standard in Knoxville, as it is, after all, “the home of Reggie White, Al Wilson and Eric Berry.”

“The standard in Tennessee is to be elite on defense. This is the home of Reggie White, Al Wilson and Eric Berry.”

– Josh Heupel, whose defense has not allowed a single touchdown in 12 quarters (until 2023)

— Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) 8 September 2024

To be fair, some of Tennessee’s opponents haven’t been able to keep up with them during this stretch. Iowa has a history of poor offenses in recent memory, and its season-opening win came after a losing effort from Chattanooga.

The Week 2 win against Dave Doeren’s team was impressive, though. NC State entered as the No. 24 team in the country and the Vols held the Wolfpack to 143 total yards of offense and just 3 of 12 3rd down conversions.

Tennessee will next put its streak of quarters without a touchdown to rest against Kent State before turning its attention to SEC play.