Monte Kiffin is not getting enough credit for Lane's 1 year at TN. His defense w/Eric Berry played big parts in most of the wins. He could shut down traditional pro style offenses, but had trouble with spread offenses (Ole Miss and VT for example).
Lane was good at preparing the offensive game plan but not so good at in-game adjustments.
Prime example was the USCjr Halloween black shirt game. Lane schemed up a 1st play TD pass over the middle to the fullback against USCJr. UT jumped out to a 14 -0 lead and had to hold on because USCJr defense adjusted and shut down Lane's offense the rest of the game. Monte's defense pretty much shut down USCJr Offense all game and deserved credit for the win.