After watching the South Carolina defense totally dominate Tennessee’s offense last week in Columbia, I realized how truly special the unit has become.

Sure, the Vols will never be mistaken for Florida’s high-scoring attack, but the USC ‘D’ flat out made plays all over the field.

It also shouldn’t have come as that big a surprise since the Gamecocks rank third in the nation in total defense.

But it’s not just the numbers and players that have helped turn USC into the SEC’s best defense: It’s the attitude change.

This time last year, USC had finished up perhaps the most embarrassing effort in school history after Arkansas ran up 542 yards rushing in a 48-36 victory in Fayetteville, Ark. Star running back and current Oakland Raider Darren McFadden ran for a preposterous 321 yards, tying an SEC record.

That game became a long-time highlight reel, which showed missed tackle after missed tackle.

It also capped a low point for a defense that became a major reason why the team spiraled to a 0-5 record down the stretch and missed a bowl.

At season’s end, defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix decided with coach Steve Spurrier that stepping down was best for all.

After a stint with Brian Van Gorder, who left soon after being hired to return to the Atlanta Falcons, Spurrier captured the real reason for the Gamecocks’ defensive resurgence: Ellis Johnson.

The old-school tough guy was no stranger to the state. He was born in Winnsboro, assisted at Clemson and had been a head coach at The Citadel from 2001-2003.

But Johnson’s return couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. The defense was loaded with talent on paper before the year began. Names like Captain Munnerlyn, Emanuel Cook, Eric Norwood and Jasper Brinkley were likely going to be stars regardless of the defensive coordinator.

But, Johnson’s message has turned a unit with NFL talent into a total team-oriented defense. He preaches that every player gets to the football and holding to your assignments is the major key.

Nearly every defensive player I’ve talked to this season says the reason for them making plays is simply doing what Johnson teaches in practice. It sounds simple, but Johnson’s ability to convince stars and role players alike to play his style is what’s turned the unit into arguably Spurrier’s best defense in his 18 years as a college coach.

Johnson takes little credit for USC’s success, giving back to the players who applaud him so much. It’s the type of attitude that breeds winning and accomplishment.

On Saturday, the Gamecocks — which sit 6-3 with a chance to lock up a bowl spot — face Arkansas and new coach Bobby Petrino, who ironically hired Johnson as his defensive coordinator before Spurrier came calling.

Answering that call has changed an attitude and made many gain admiration for Johnson’s work.