Tennessee football's biggest weakness may not matter. Georgia, Alabama have same problem | Adams

You know a couple of things about coach Josh Heupel and Tennessee football. If they have the right quarterback, the Vols will score a bunch of points; unless their secondary improves, they will give up a lot of points to the best quarterbacks on their schedule.

Secondary issues have been a consistent theme in Heupel’s first three seasons at UT. But a different cast of defensive backs is at least cause for optimism this season.

Something else to consider: UT isn’t alone.

The SEC is chockfull of acclaimed offensive coaches. A handful of its quarterbacks are Heisman Trophy candidates. And most of those quarterbacks aren’t receiver poor.

But check out those secondaries. There, you will find plenty of uncertainty – not just at Tennessee but at other SEC programs with playoff aspirations.

Take popular No. 1 pick Georgia for one example. Safety Malaki Starks is an All-American candidate, and cornerback Daylen Everette is a returning starter. Everybody else in the starting secondary is new.

Take Alabama for another example. Malachi Moore is a proven defensive back and team leader. But he will be surrounded by four new starters.

Texas also has four new starters in the secondary. Ole Miss has three. So do Missouri and Texas A&M.

Nine SEC teams have been listed in multiple top-25 preseason rankings. Only two of them, LSU and Oklahoma, return a majority of starters in their secondary.

Of course, experience isn’t the only measuring stick for a secondary. As well as most SEC schools recruit, new stars could emerge in the secondary. But that won’t be enough to tilt games the defense’s way.

The SEC figures to be an offensive league this season.

Four SEC teams ranked in the top 25 in total offense last season. With the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, I wouldn’t be surprised if seven conference teams ranked in the top 25 this season.

Tennessee will be one of those.  In fact, it could field a top-five offense.

The Vols have an experienced offensive line, proven receivers, a potential 1,000-yard rusher in Dylan Sampson, and a star quarterback in Nico Iamaleava, whose skill set is in sync with Heupel’s offense.

This offense could help make up for whatever the defense gives up – and whatever lapses that might occur in the secondary. That worked for the Vols in 2022.

The revamped secondary has something else going for it: one of the SEC’s most capable defensive fronts, led by All-American end James Pearce. Tennessee’s defensive line is blessed with not just talent and experience, but depth.

A front line like that can sustain pressure on opposing quarterbacks deep into the fourth quarter. It also can make a secondary’s life so much easier.

So what if Tennessee’s secondary doesn’t return a single starter from last season. Based on its track record, that’s not a negative. And just because Tennessee has a new secondary, that doesn’t mean it's woefully lacking in experience. UT fans can thank the transfer portal for that.

ADAMS: Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel is better on game day than media day

MTSU transfer Jakobe Thomas had 71 tackles last season and four interceptions in 2022. Oregon State transfer Jermod McCoy had 31 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions last season as a freshman. Temple transfer Jalen McMurray had 88 tackles combined the past two seasons.

They should bolster the secondary. So should the defensive front and a potentially prolific offense.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com . Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football's biggest weakness may not matter. Georgia, Alabama have same problem | Adams