Tennessee has had several positive moments this season, but the Vols also experienced a stat that is difficult to fathom.

The 50-17 loss to Missouri gave Tennessee its fifth loss this season by more than 25 points, which is a first for the program. The other games were West Virginia, Florida, Georgia and Alabama. That dropped Tennessee to 5-6 overall, and 2-5 in the SEC.

Obviously, the Auburn and Kentucky wins were the bright spots for a program looking to rebuild and ultimately turn a corner.

Even with the lopsided losses, and before the Missouri game, coach Jeremy Pruitt tried to rally the players by showing them what the program means to the fan base. Getting buy-in from the current players, and an upgrade at several positions in recruiting, are key elements in the re-build that Pruitt faces in the next two to three years. Now the Vols face Vanderbilt with a do-or-die bowl game scenario.

“I just wanted them to see who they represent,” Pruitt said. “The people that come out and support them, that’s bigger than them. We won two in a row and I wanted them to look around. It’s a huge sight to see, all these people in orange out there to watch them walk… I wanted them to see it. It didn’t work but I wanted them to see it.”