Another loss on Rocky Top leaves another week for members of the media to rip the Tennessee Volunteers. After ripping the lack of consistent quarterback play last week, I want to highlight a group that gives fans something to look forward to, the defense.

Through the first four games of the season, UT's defense is ranked No. 17 in total defense out of 119 teams, allowing only 258 yards per game.

That's one spot better than No. 2 ranked Alabama and two spots better than defending national champion, LSU, a program that is always praised for its defensive talent.

Defense may win championships, but the other phases of the game have to get you there too.

Although I ranted about the coaches not making any defensive adjustments against UCLA, the past three games have continued to show the playmaking ability of the Volunteer defense.

There have been eight interceptions with two of them coming from standout Eric Berry.

Another testament to the strong play of the defense is the points allowed after turnovers. The offense has given the ball to the opposition eight times, yet the defense has only allowed 16 points off those turnovers. That's right, only 16.

Last week against Auburn, the Tigers only scored one offensive touchdown. Thanks to a Jonathan Crompton-Arian Foster botched handoff, Auburn's defense got in the scoring act, and that play would prove to be the difference in the game.

Although Auburn doesn't have the offense of Florida, these guys still deserve credit for executing the game plan put forth by defensive coordinator John Chavis. All it takes is for the offense to recognize a blown assignment by the opponent and a big play can happen in a moment.

Excluding a play on Auburn's first drive that could have been a touchdown, the defense took care of business, setting the offense up with plenty of opportunities to win the game.

Auburn only moved the ball for 226 yards; Florida could only muster 243. Some people will point out that against Florida, the Gator offense usually started its drives with a short field.

That may be so, and Florida may have garnered more yards if it would have had to start drives from inside its own 30-yard line. However, since UT couldn't score a touchdown or tackle a soul on special teams, the defense deserves to receive any praise it gets.

If you think back to the 2005 season, the Vols had an offense and special teams that seemed to still be in the locker room by the time kickoff rolled around and a defense that played its best football no matter what the score was.

Now in 2008, it seems the same pattern has emerged again. Considering the rest of the Vols schedule and the way two-thirds of the team is playing, I only see them picking up four wins, five if they're lucky.

Defense may win championships, but the other phases of the game have to get you there too.