Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) looks for a receiver in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 in Knoxville, Tenn. Missouri won 29-21. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)1. Handling the pressure
Tennessee coach Butch Jones and his players have answered questions about expectations for eight months. Now, the Volunteers have to deliver, and it’ll take winning some big games to take the next step. Tennessee is just 1-11 against ranked teams under Jones, and the Vols still have painful losing streaks against Florida (10), Georgia (5), Missouri (3) and SEC West opponents (9).
2. Better offensive-line play
After allowing an SEC-worst 43 sacks in 2014, Tennessee will need better play from its offensive line to keep quarterback Josh Dobbs healthy and help the Vols, who averaged 208.5 rushing yards the final six games of last season, develop an elite ground game. There’s plenty of talent at the skill positions, but Tennessee won’t tap into its potential without better line play.
3. More disruptive defense
In 2014, Tennessee finished fourth in the SEC in tackles for loss, recorded the program’s highest sack total in 13 years and trailed only Mississippi State in third-down defense. The Vols have the personnel on the defensive line and in the secondary to maintain that level of success. To become better, they must force more turnovers and eliminate big plays.