With just two weeks left before the Vols open up the 2012 season in Atlanta against NC State much of the focus on the defensive side of the ball continues to be simply installing the new scheme that Sal Sunseri brought with him when he took over the defensive coordinator's job in the offseason.

The move to the 3-4 has been met with plenty of enthusiasm from the Vols' players, who by and large have indicated they love the aggressive approach they feel will free them up to make plays.

The drawback to the switch--at least for the moment--is that the defense still very much appears to be in 'learning mode.' A notion reinforced by the results of the Vols' two scrimmages, both of which appear to have gone to the offense in somewhat decisive fashion.

The conundrum for Derek Dooley, or any head coach in a similar situation in camp, is whether the offense is simply that good, or if the defense really is that far behind right now. The learning curve the 'D' is facing in learning a new scheme only clouds the picture for the moment.

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