As one should expect for a rebuilding program, Tennessee’s 2018 season and recruiting cycle were full of ups and downs. Here are some of the high (and low) lights as the year comes to an end.

5 best moments of the year

1. The Auburn Game

Auburn had championship aspirations heading into the 2018 season. Those were quickly dashed after early losses to LSU and Mississippi State. The Vols took advantage of the downtrodden but still No. 21-ranked Tigers by beating them at Jordan-Hare Stadium 30-24. It was Tennessee’s first SEC victory since late in the 2016 season and ended a program-worst 11-game league skid.

2. The Kentucky Game

In the midst of an historic season, most expected Kentucky to handle the Vols with a stout running game and strong defense. That didn’t happen. The Vols beat Kentucky 24-7 to notch their second win against a ranked opponent.

3. Eric Gray’s signing

UT had modest production from its tailbacks last season but doesn’t have a game-changer on the roster. That might change next season after running back Eric Gray from Lausanne High School in Memphis signed with the Vols on Dec. 20. UT beat Ole Miss and South Carolina for Gray, who decommitted from Michigan.

4. Quavaris Crouch signing

While Gray’s signing was expected, Crouch shocked the recruiting world by signing with the Vols one day after Gray. Crouch wasn’t expected to sign in the Early Signing Period but decided to do so just before the period ended. It was a huge pickup as the 4-star athlete from Harding University in Charlotte, N.C. picked the Vols over Clemson, which has won the majority of recent recruiting battles against the Vols.

5. Tennessee hired an offensive coordinator

Well, maybe this will happen one day. The Vols don’t seem in any hurry to name a coordinator to replace Tyson Helton, who accepted the head coaching position at Western Kentucky. The latest name to surface is Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Stay tuned.

5 worst moments of the season

1. Offensive line setback

Tennessee’s line was a major concern entering the season. Things got worse when Alabama graduate transfer Brandon Kennedy suffered a torn knee ligament in practice after just one game. That loss was compounded by the loss of Trey Smith in October when he had a recurrence of blood clots. Both were lost for the the season and UT’s line was forced to scramble. Of course, Smith’s long-term health is the most serious concern.

2. The Third Saturday in October

Albeit expected, this was a harsh reminder just how far the Vols have to go to compete at a championship level. The Crimson Tide beat UT 58-21 but there was a feeling that Bama could have scored as many points as it wanted. The Georgia game, which was three weeks earlier, had a similar feel as the Bulldogs pounded the Vols 38-12.

3. Blown chances against South Carolina

The Vols showed their inexperience by letting this game slip away. The Vols had a 12 point lead before the Gamecocks scored 18 points in the second half to win the game 27-24. The Vols had their chances despite the comebacks. However, UT was stopped on downs twice in the fourth quarter. Yes, twice.

4. Lackluster effort against Charlotte

The Vols were simply woeful against what should have been a lesser opponent when it faced Charlotte on Nov. 3. The Vols managed one offensive touchdown and couldn’t score at all in the second half. It was a win that felt much more like a loss. Charlotte finished the season 5-7, just like the Vols.

5. Vanderbilt? Again? Seriously?

With a bowl bid on the line, the Vols laid an egg against Vanderbilt. The Vols lost 38-13, which was the third consecutive loss to their in-state foes. It was also the fifth time the Vols have lost to Vandy in the past seven games. If this was a heart-check game, the Vols failed miserably.