The most important statistic from Tennessee’s 2017 season was simple. It’s 4-8. The Vols won just four games and lost eight. Sorry to remind you.

However, there are other very relevant statistics that led to that historically bad overall record. In order to improve on last year’s record, here are some stats from last year that the Vols need to be mindful of:

29.1 points allowed

That’s an astonishing number that rated 83rd in the country and ninth in the SEC. Even more startling is the fact that the Vols gave up 35 points per game against Power 5 opponents. That simply won’t do.

In order to show significant improvement, the Vols need their scoring defense to average around 20 points. That would put UT in the top half of the SEC. With Jeremy Pruitt at the helm, that’s an attainable goal considering his history of success assembling defenses.

Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

22 sacks

The defense’s total ranked 92nd in the nation and 13th in the SEC. UT will need to force opponents to make mistakes via pressuring the passer much more this season if they hope to be bowl-bound. Turnovers can turn the tide in a close game or set the tone early in a game. Pressure can make a quarterback feel uncomfortable, which can slow and offense.

This is another area that Pruitt should be able to help the Vols mightily. Pruitt’s 3-4 alignment will be able to bring more pressure than the base nickel package that UT ran last year. A reasonable goal would be 30 sacks in 2018.

-0.25 turnover margin

UT’s margin ranked 88th in the nation and 10th in the SEC.

With the shortage of depth and talent, there’s simply no way the Vols can have a successful season if they turn the ball over more than their opponents.

Tennessee needs to force more turnovers and do a better job protecting the ball. UT forced 15 turnovers but committed 18 last year. The Vols need to flip that number. A +0.25 is a reasonable goal.

19.8 point per game

This is the most worrisome stat from last season that could affect this season. UT’s points per game ranked last in the SEC and 118th in the nation. That’s not good, especially considering there are only 130 FBS football programs in the nation.

It’s hard to imagine this number improving dramatically. The Vols will likely try to play things slow on offense to help protect their defense, which doesn’t have much depth. With a defensive coach at the helm, uncertainty at quarterback and a shaky offensive line, it’s hard to imagine the Vols lighting up the scoreboard on a regular basis.

If the Vols can get to 28 points per game, that would place them in the middle of the pack in the SEC. However, that’s a pretty lofty goal considering the defenses that UT will be facing.

12th in time of possession

That’s where the Vols ranked in the SEC. Time of possession can be an overrated statistic, but not for this year’s Vols. If UT can’t hold onto the ball, then its defense simply won’t be able to hold up due to lack of depth. The defense will wear out during games and throughout the season.

Former coach Butch Jones’ offense was partly responsible for the lopsided time of possession. Look for this stat to improve dramatically. With a power-based offense that will likely play conservative, I’d expect the Vols to improve to at least No. 8 in the SEC.

Pruitt can’t solve all of UT’s woes in one offseason. He can’t completely rebuild a roster nor completely change a culture. However, Pruitt can be a more detail oriented coach with a better approach to his personnel. If he can do that, several of UT’s statistics will climb the charts, including the all-important win/loss record.