The Tennessee Volunteers took a massive step forward in 2014, earning their first bowl berth since 2010 and their first bowl victory since the 2007 season. Here’s the five areas where the Vols need to improve the most to continue their progression next season.

1. The offensive line: The Volunteers offensive line was among the worst in the SEC in 2014, allowing the most sacks and tackles for loss than any team in the SEC. The issues was alleviated to some extent when the more mobile Joshua Dobbs took over at quarterback, but even he could not mask Tennessee’s deficiencies up front. Winning football is built from the inside-out, and Tennessee needs to make huge improvements along the offensive line to continue moving forward next season.

2. Third down offense: Tennessee’s offense failed to keep itself on the field throughout the season, boasting the SEC’s fourth-worst red zone conversion rate at a mediocre 38.9 percent. If the Vols can’t improve on third downs, they’ll continue to struggle to sustain drives, giving their defense a rest and giving their offense a greater likelihood of cashing in points.

3. Red zone defense: Tennessee’s defense held its own in the fast-paced SEC in 2014, but when it allowed opponents to move inside the 20 yards line the defense folded far too often. Red zone defense can be tricky, but if the Vols can even turn many of the short touchdowns they allowed into field goals they’ll put themselves in better positions to win games next season.

4. Explosive play defense: Another area Tennessee’s defense struggled in this season was its explosive play defense. No unit in the SEC allowed more plays of 30 or more yards from scrimmage during the course of the season, and even a defense that plays sound football down after down can make it all for naught with a propensity for allowing big plays. Tennessee must keep a lid on its defense next season to keep up in a conference loaded with athletes.

5. Explosive passing offense: Tennessee’s inability to create big plays in the passing game made its offense very easy to contain, especially when the immobile Justin Worley was the starting quarterback. No Volunteer wideout ranked among the top 35 in the SEC in yards per catch, and the team leader — Pig Howard — averaged a mere 11.4 yards per reception. With Dobbs now set as the quarterback of the future, Tennessee must find