Offtopic/fun » of four team captains. Sometimes it

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee heads into the season as the likely Southeastern Conference Eastern Division favorite thanks in part to a defense loaded with experience.Whether the Volunteers earn that first division title since 2007 depends on how much that defense has learned from last years experience.Tennessee went 9-4 last season, but led in each of its losses. In three of those defeats, Tennessee was in front by at least 13 points.Those blown leads prevented a good season from becoming great. No wonder finishing has been a point of emphasis throughout Tennessees offseason.I would say its kind of a little motivation because we know were right there, senior cornerback Cam Sutton said. Weve just got to get over the hump.Sutton, entering his fourth year as a starter, exemplifies the tested nature of Tennessees defense. The Vols return five of their top six tacklers from last season. The only defensive starters from last seasons Outback Bowl blowout of Northwestern who departed are tackle Owen Williams and safeties Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil. The defenses most notable newcomer is coordinator Bob Shoop, who previously held the same positions at Vanderbilt and Penn State.Tennessees defense boasts so much experience that players occasionally help each other on the practice field or playing field by referring to situations they encountered together in games that may have taken place years before.It helps our communication a lot more, said senior linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who joins Sutton as one of four team captains. Sometimes it gets hard to describe things that happen, and we usually relate it to something weve seen in the past. Weve been on the same page for so long, it makes it that much easier.Reeves-Maybin doesnt mention numbers when discussing his goals for this defense because he wants to avoid placing a ceiling on this groups potential.I dont want to put any expectations or limitations on what we can do, said Reeves-Maybin, who will have earned his degree by the time he begins his senior season. I know we can be the best team in the country. I just want to be the best team in the country, the best defense in the country. I want us to have each others backs and play like I know we can play every week.That means delivering a knockout blow when it has an opponent on the ropes.Tennessee lost in overtime to Oklahoma last year after leading 17-0 in the f