Through five games, Tennessee sits at a 4-1 overall record and is 1-1 in SEC matches.

The Vols' success stems in big part due to a surprisingly impressive defense.

Let's dive into how it stacks up statistically against the rest of the conference.

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In terms of yards allowed per game, Tennessee is slightly above average compared to its peers in the SEC. In sixth place, the Vols have surrendered 308.2 yards per game.

Ahead of Tennessee are Texas A&M, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky. All of these teams are on the Vols' schedule. Missouri comes in at seventh — also on Tennessee's schedule.

The Vols allowed 192.8 of their yards through the air and 115.4 on the ground. This is fifth for passing and seventh for rushing.

However, Tennessee also is tied for first in the conference in yards allowed per play at just a 4.4 average.

Yards are important, but keeping the other team off the scoreboard is the most essential. Tennessee has done a good job in this category so far.

At 17.8 points allowed per match, the Vols sit at fifth in the conference. Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and Florida are the teams ahead of Tennessee. The Vols are just 0.4 points behind the Gators, though.

MORE FROM VOLREPORT: Where Tennessee football's offense stands in the SEC through Week Five

The most points allowed in a match by Tennessee so far was to Florida. It gave up 29 in that contest. The least was just 13 to Virginia and Austin Peay.

Where the Vols have had the most success is getting after the quarterback.

Currently, Tennessee sits atop of the SEC with 22 sacks. This is a pair more than its next opponent in Texas A&M. Ole Miss and Alabama are tied for third with 17.

In sack yards, the Vols have racked up 130 yards. This mark from Tennessee is also the most in the conference by nine.

Leading the way for the Vols is James Pearce Jr. He is second in the conference with five at this point in the year. His 34 sack yards are the most in the SEC, though.

Tyler Baron is tied for third in sacks with four.

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