With just one game remaining in the 2023 season, Tennessee’s 21st-ranked Vols will take on 17th-ranked Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando on New Year’s Day.

The game is still a few weeks away. However, December is very much a month when roster management comes into focus, with head coach Josh Heupel and the coaching staff out on the road visiting prospects, the Early Signing Period approaching, the NCAA transfer portal open for business, and adding another dimension to the recruiting process for programs. A portion of that occurred during the season as well; Tennessee’s season-long participation report lists the players that are qualified for a redshirt this year.

The Tennessee Vols, who are ranked 21st, will take on Iowa, who are ranked 17th, in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando on New Year’s Day. However, even bowl preparation is essentially the first work for the upcoming season, and Josh Heupel and his staff have a lot of issues to work out before that point.

The first audio episode of this week, available HERE, gave an early look at what Tennessee’s offense might look like in the offseason and in 2024. This episode, however, focuses on the opposing side of the ball.

This episode includes a discussion of Tennessee’s defense at all three levels. And there was a lot to talk about on all three levels for a group that has done rather well overall but has to do better in order for the program to advance.