Tennessee’s 28-19 win over Ohio this past weekend was a titanic, back-and-forth struggle the entire game; the Volunteers finished 404 yards of offense, but were penalized nine times for 94 yards, didn’t force a single turnover, and led just 21-19 entering the fourth quarter.

A lot of fans weren’t pleased with the closeness of the score, despite the massive amount of key players who were either injured or suspended.

But first-year defensive coordinator Bob Shoop has a vastly different perspective on the outcome.

Shoop has coached at Virginia, Boston College, Vanderbilt, and Penn State (among other schools), meaning he’s seen some pretty strong competition throughout his 27-year coaching career. But Ohio, a MAC program (reputable, mind you) with two bowl wins in its 54-year history, has earned his high praise.

No disrespect to Ohio — it’s a fine program with a very good head coach in Frank Solich — but I’m not sure that’s what Vols fans want to hear with a full SEC schedule still on the plate, even with the adversity that was pinned against them last week vs. the Bobcats.