In the midst of their first, and only, win-streak of 2015 (three games) Tennessee coach Butch Jones believes his team will continues to improve in a season that included an early disappointing OT loss to Oklahoma.

Just like last week, the press conference started focusing not on football, but rather the retirement of Missouri coach Gary Pinkel.

Tennessee plays Missouri on Saturday.

In fact, the coach spent most of his press conference discussing Missouri and its defense that ranks second in the SEC at 14.7 points allowed per game.

Saturday should be a big game for both teams: Tennessee is trying to improve its bowl spot, and Missouri is trying to become bowl eligible.

With Pinkel’s retirement and the Tigers’ emotional win last week, the media remained focused on the Missouri sidelines.

When the conversation finally shifted to Jones’ team, the coach was quick to demand more from his defense that pitched their first shutout against North Texas on Saturday.

Tennessee is tied for last in the SEC with just 12 forced turnovers.

Tennessee ran for 237 yards Saturday and now ranks No. 2 in the SEC in total rushing yards, second only to RB Leonard Founette’s LSU Tigers.

Monday had to be the coach’s least football-focused press conference of the season as reporters ended it by asking Jones about the field condition at Neyland Stadium, which the coach answered with limited interest.