ESPN.com
Tennessee's upset of Cal caused quite a hubbub surrounding new offensive coordinator David Cutliffe. The Vols' offensive performance was obviously impressive, but their play on the other side of the ball is one of the least publicized and most underrated stories in college football. Under the guidance of associate head coach and defensive coordinator John Chavis, Tennessee consistently has fielded tough defenses -- even this year, after losing a number of starters to graduation. Since Chavis was named UT's defensive coordinator in 1995, the Vols have held their opponents to an average of less than a 100 yards rushing in six seasons -- including the much-maligned 2005 campaign.
There's no question Cal was overwhelmed by the crowd; it's tough for a Pac-10 school to visit any SEC stadium. Cal was up against a talented team that underperformed in 2005 and came out of the gates with something to prove. Right away, the Vols looked more confident than last year's squad, which often appeared frantic and disheveled.
The win over a much-higher-ranked opponent -- Cal came into the game ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press poll -- was golden for Tennessee. The Vols were on the fringe after last season, and a loss would have created the same kind of furor that exists in Miami right now. If you start the season with doubts and open with a loss, it's tough to rebound. Instead, the Vols came out firing on all cylinders and making the types of plays on offense that haven't been seen on Rocky Top since Kelly Washington suited up for Tennessee. Questions now surround Cal. The Bears take on a tough Minnesota squad Saturday -- possibly opening with the toughest two-game schedule in the country. Will they be able to bounce back from the loss to Tennessee?
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