I didn't take it as him saying UT players couldn't handle Shoop's D. I took it as him defending Shoop by implying we didn't get to see the full implementation due to its complexity.
I think there are a few reasons why that are more likely to have hindered Shoop besides players' IQs.
Injuries to key players, position coaches not on board/not good coaches, not using his (Shoop's) own terminology. I think all those came into play at some point during last season.
We saw flashes - the 2nd half vs UF was as good a defense as has been played in Knoxville in some time. Was dominant. And that was without Cam or Kirkland.