Vol defense comes through when offense falters

Posted 6:47PM on Monday 23rd October 2006 ( 18 years ago )

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo and his teammates were overshadowed by all the attention on the offense. Most of the speculation before last Saturday's game against Alabama had to do with scoring points. Instead, the game was a defensive struggle and the No. 8 Volunteers got the big stops when they needed and won 16-13. Tennessee (6-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) travels to South Carolina on Saturday. ``We felt like we made a pretty big statement to the nation that we can play defense here at the University of Tennessee,'' Mayo said Monday. The Vols held the Crimson Tide to 53 yards rushing and 158 yards passing. Only Memphis at 121 yards had the lowest total against Tennessee this season. Mayo, a sophomore from Hampton, Va., was named the SEC defensive player of the week after having a career-high 12 tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack on the last play of the game. The Vols recorded two other sacks in the game. Mayo and Antonio Reynolds each sacked John Parker Wilson during Alabama's final drive after Tennessee had taken a late lead. The Tide advanced inside the Vols 10-yard line three times, scoring two field goals and a touchdown. Alabama converted only three of 15 third downs. ``Defensively we played exceptionally well,'' coach Phillip Fulmer said. ``It was great to see the improvement we made in the open date and continued focus on our pad leverage and ability to stop the run. Run support was much improved from where we were, and we were able to pressure the quarterback.'' Tennessee came into the season with an inexperienced defensive line and linebackers. Only one defensive lineman, Justin Harrell, had been a regular starter, but he is out for the season with a ruptured biceps tendon. Cornerback Inky Johnson also is out after severely injuring his upper arm and shoulder area. ``Losing guys like Inky Johnson and Justin Harrell, those were major losses. But at the same time we have guys that can fill in for those places,'' Mayo said. Mayo has been nursing a high sprain on his left ankle all season and expects to have to play the rest of the season with the injury. The Vols are hoping to get some revenge after losing to South Carolina last year. ``I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge of going against a guy like Steve Spurrier, his scheme,'' Mayo said. Coach (John) Chavis is an excellent (defensive) coordinator as well and I'm sure he has some tricks up his sleeve too. So we'll be prepared.'' On the Net: Tennessee football: www.utsports.com

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