Handing out superlatives to Tennessee’s football program would have seemed oddly inappropriate just a week ago.

Before upsetting Auburn 30-24, the Vols were reeling following a 2-3 start in which all three losses were by 26 points. Things are much brighter now. Here are some midseason superlatives:

Comeback Player of the (Calendar) Year: Jauan Jennings

Who can forget Jennings’ abrupt departure in December? If all the reports are accurate, Jennings returned from a knee injury last season to demand he be allowed to play quarterback for the Vols against their upcoming opponent, Vanderbilt. Then, he stormed off of the practice field in a huff.

That huff turned into a full blown emotional explosion via social media as Jennings questioned UT’s coaches in a profanity-laden tirade. An administrative and coaching change saved Jennings’ career at Tennessee. Upon the arrival of athletic director Phillip Fulmer and, subsequently, head coach Jeremy Pruitt, Jennings was allowed to return to UT’s football team. However, his challenge to return to form was far from over.

Jennings underwent offseason knee surgery and missed spring practice as the Vols were installing a new offense. That placed him behind once again. No matter. Jennings’ newfound dedication to UT and his talent proved that he was every bit the talented receiver we had seen in the past.

Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Jennings didn’t fill up the stat sheet immediately this season but he certainly was a key contributor in UT’s win over Auburn. Jennings set season highs with five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown last week. Four of his five catches against the Tigers occurred on third down and all four resulted in first downs. Congrats to Jennings and kudos to Fulmer and Pruitt for giving Jennings a second chance.

Comeback Player(s) of the Season: Jarrett Guarantano and UT’s offensive coaching staff

There was a strong debate to be had that Guarantano was destined to end the season among the bottom half of the quarterbacks in the SEC. Maybe Guarantano’s play warranted that. Maybe that was UT’s coaches lack of faith in the sophomore who was still trying to grasp a new offensive system? Nevertheless, the Vols took the handcuffs off Guarantano against Auburn with an array of deep passes and an aggressive offensive style. It worked.

Now, Guarantano has received multiple player of the week honors and figures to only improve throughout the season. More than any other player, Guarantano’s recent play inspires hope that the Vols can salvage a season that was once considered long lost.

Most Consistent Performer: Josh Palmer

Even as the Vols struggled in the passing game this season, Palmer has always been there. The sophomore receiver ranks second on the team with 284 receiving yards and is averaging 25.8 yards per catch, which ranks second in the SEC. Palmer should be a player that the Vols can depend on for the rest of this season and into the future.

Offensive MVP: Guarantano

It will be exciting to see Guarantano continue to grow this season. Except for Alabama, the Vols can beat anyone on their schedule if Guarantano plays like he did against Auburn.

Thanks to his breakthrough, a bowl game now looks attainable.

Defensive MVP: Daniel Bituli

This was a tough call. However, Bituli has been consistent, leads the Vols in tackles and has 2 ½ tackles for a loss. Fellow linebacker Darrin Kirkland and defensive linemen Alexis Johnson and Kyle Phillips deserve honorable mention.

Speech of the year: Jeremy Pruitt

Coaching isn’t just all Xs and Os and in-game adjustments. It’s as much motivating and generating buy-in as game-planning.

Last year, Missouri’s Barry Odom got a lot of credit — rightfully so — for his fiery postgame news conference in which he flat-out said the Tigers were going to win, that he was going to win. Not long after, they did. Missouri ripped off 6 consecutive wins to make a bowl.

Let’s give Pruitt some credit for believing this team was more capable than most thought. After losing to Georgia, Pruitt praised the Vols’ fight. “We’re not going to quit,” Pruitt said. “Kinda gets me excited.”

Coming out of the bye week, the Vols shocked Auburn. Now Vol Nation is excited.