Tennessee coach Butch Jones was in for a fight entering last Saturday’s game against No. 4 Oklahoma in Norman. Facing tough odds, the Vols fell 34-10 to the overmatched Sooners, suffering their first loss of 2014.

Many expected a blowout in Oklahoma’s favor prior to kickoff. However, how both teams got to 34-10 was far less foreseeable.

Tennessee looked like a team that was prepared for battle on defense. Facing one of the nation’s most talented and balanced offenses, the Vols forced a 3-of-12 third down efficiency and several field goal attempts on Oklahoma drives beginning with excellent field position.

Despite being outsized, out-experienced and outmatched, Tennessee looked to be fully prepared for Saturday’s matchup and unrattled by a hostile environment.

The coaching staff’s play calling wasn’t particularly good or bad on offense, rather reflected a team that was far inferior in size and experience. The biggest mismatch between the two teams was in the trenches as Tennessee’s young offensive line was manhandled by one of the nation’s best front sevens. Tennessee called the right plays, but if Justin Worley has several All-Americans rushing at different angles, it’s nearly impossible to make throws downfield.

The biggest credit to Mike Bajakian’s play calling was continuing to give Jalen Hurd rushing attempts despite a large lead. Not only was Hurd one of the few bright spots in a poor offensive showing, but it also helps the freshman’s confidence moving forward.

Bajakian’s biggest blunder was calling a pass play on 3rd-and-goal that led to a 100-yard interception. Rather than use his 6-foot-3, 227-point running back to bulldoze through the line, Bajakian elected to force Worley to throw against a pass rush that dominated during the entire contest.

Tennessee’s coaching staff is making strides to improve a downtrodden program and has already made progress. Although the Vols are a long way from competing with a national powerhouse, fans should take Saturday’s game as a step forward for a program looking for a beacon of hope.