# Tennessee Football's Secondary Is Scary Good > Tennessee's defense forces opponents to score fewer touchdowns than ever before. - Title: Tennessee Football's Secondary Is Scary Good | Shortify - Summary: Tennessee's defense forces opponents to score fewer touchdowns than ever before. Tennessee's secondary has allowed just four passing touchdowns through eight… - Keywords: tennessee, volunteers, football, secondary, passing defense, interceptions, passing yards, sec, jim knowles, sports, Football's, Scary - Source: Tennessee Volunteers On SI — https://si.com/college/tennessee/football/tennessee-football-s-secondary-is-scary-good-and-the-stats-prove-it-01m640ps3ga6 - Published: 2026-10-29T16:43:19+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: tennessee, volunteers, football, secondary, passing defense, interceptions, passing yards, sec, jim knowles, sports ## Tennessee's Secondary Is Making a Statement Opposing quarterbacks face a nightmare when playing against Tennessee's defense. > If you're an opposing quarterback preparing to face Tennessee, you might want to reconsider throwing the football ## Tennessee's Passing Defense Stats Tennessee has recorded eight interceptions, allowed four passing touchdowns, and surrendered 165.6 passing yards per game. > Through eight games in 2026, Tennessee has recorded eight interceptions, allowed just four passing touchdowns, and surrendered an average of 165.6 passing yards per game ## Opponents' Passing Efficiency Opponents complete just 62.3% of passes while averaging only 5.6 yards per attempt. > Opponents have completed just 62.3% of their passes while averaging only 5.6 yards per attempt ## Defensive Transformation First-year coordinator Jim Knowles has led a defensive transformation under pressure. > These aren't just impressive statistics. They're evidence of a defensive transformation under first-year coordinator Jim Knowles ## Key Interception Leaders Dejuan Lane leads with three interceptions, while Kayin Lee and TJ Metcalf have two each. > Dejuan Lane leads the team with three interceptions, while Kayin Lee has collected two. TJ Metcalf has added another ## Lane's Impact Against Alabama Lane returned three interceptions for 73 yards and scored a defensive touchdown against Alabama. > Lane has been particularly dangerous, returning his three interceptions for 73 yards and scoring a defensive touchdown ## Alabama Game Result Tennessee defeated Alabama 26-10 with only 201 total yards allowed. > The Crimson Tide managed only 201 total yards, highlighting just how disruptive Tennessee's defense can become against elite competition ## Passing Touchdowns Tennessee allows one touchdown pass every two games through eight games. > That's one touchdown pass every two games ## Short Passes and Explosive Plays Short passes aren't producing many yards, and explosive opportunities are hard to find. > That combination makes life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Short passes aren't producing many yards, and explosive opportunities are becoming increasingly difficult to find ## Secondary Players Ty Redmond, Qua Moss, Metcalf, Lee, and Lane create turnovers and challenge receivers. > Ty Redmond, Qua Moss, Metcalf, Lee, and Lane have helped give Tennessee a secondary capable of challenging receivers while creating turnovers ## Defensive Front Tennessee has recorded 38 quarterback hurries to disrupt passing plays. > Tennessee has recorded 38 quarterback hurries, helping disrupt passing plays before receivers can get open ## Consistency in Defense Tennessee has allowed only 288.4 total yards per game, including 122.8 rushing yards. > Through eight games, Tennessee has allowed only 288.4 total yards per contest, including 122.8 rushing yards ## Jim Knowles' Early Returns Knowles' defense has demonstrated the ability to pressure quarterbacks and eliminate explosive plays. > For Knowles, the early returns are encouraging. His defense has demonstrated the ability to pressure quarterbacks, eliminate explosive plays, and capitalize on mistakes ## Key takeaway Tennessee's secondary has allowed just four passing touchdowns through eight games in 2026, demonstrating elite defensive performance.