Tennessee’s historically bad loss to Georgia State on Saturday has left UT’s fan base angered, in shock and — for many — ready to give up on the season. Jeremy Pruitt had better make sure his team isn’t in the same emotional state.

If that is the case, then the Vols, who looked like they should win 7 or 8 games this season, will be headed for one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent history. And that’s saying something given what UT has been through over the past decade.

Here are 5 things that Pruitt needs to address immediately before playing BYU on Saturday:

Handle this team with care

I’ve never been a coach nor a psychologist, so I can’t exactly tell Pruitt how to handle a bunch of young men with incredibly bruised egos. Tennessee players must be wondering just how bad they actually might be. I’ve seen teams quit on a season far too often. After a loss like the Vols suffered Saturday, that has to be a real concern.

UT looked inept and unready to play against the Panthers. If that’s the case for the remainder of the season, then the Vols won’t be bowling again this season. UT’s players have every right to doubt their coaching staff. Pruitt has to win them back.

Improve effort

Pruitt said his team showed good effort Saturday. That was partly true. As a whole, effort wasn’t the main issue. However, it certainly lacked at times against Georgia State. That might have been frustration from all of the mental mistakes. Nevertheless, it can’t be accepted. Did UT overlook Georgia State? Did the Vols get frustrated by not being put in the correct position, especially defensively?

Whatever the reason, UT’s players need to understand that they have to play with supreme effort to beat most of the teams on their schedule.

Here’s another theory: Did Pruitt push his team too hard in preseason camp? If so, it’s time to take his foot off the gas in practice this week.

Simplify things defensively

The Vols’ alignment Saturday was simply pathetic. UT is trying to work talented younger players into the mix. Either that lack of experience or poor coaching showed up against the Panthers. The Vols could benefit from having 2 experienced players back in the fold: linebacker Daniel Bituli and defensive back Bryce Thompson. However, Bituli is recovering from a procedure on his knee and Thompson is facing significant legal issues after a misdemeanor assault charge.

Take downfield shots

How could the Vols not attack Georgia State downfield more often Saturday? The Vols have talented receivers but chose not to lean on them. UT should have — or be able to create — mismatches against BYU this week. Take advantage of them. A deep pass or two can change the entire method in which a team defends an opponent. The Vols appear to want to be a horizontal team on offense. That’s fine, but it’s also important to test a defense on the back end.

Make this team believe

Good luck with that Jeremy. This team is incredibly close to missing a bowl game again — and it’s just September. That was understandable in Pruitt’s first season but unforgivable in Year 2. Whatever it takes, Pruitt has to make his team believe they can still make a bowl game and that they can still beat better opponents on the schedule.

Pruitt has to do whatever it takes. Watch “Remember the Titans,” bring in a witch doctor, etc. This shouldn’t be a normal game week. Remind these players that football is fun and brighter days are ahead. Again, good luck with all of that.