The Tennessee Volunteers finished the 2014 regular season with a 6-6 (3-5 SEC) record. The Vols will face the Iowa Hawkeyes 7-5 (4-4 Big Ten) in the Taxslayer Bowl, their first postseason appearance since 2010. Tennessee saw surprising performances from several players that both exceeded and fell short of expectations. Here’s a look at the Vols’ overachievers and underachievers in 2014.

Overachievers

  • Jacob Gilliam, OT: Gilliam joined the Tennessee football team as a walk-on in 2010 before earning a scholarship this past May. The Knoxville native earned the starting job at outside tackle in preseason. But Gilliam suffered an ACL injury in the season opener against Utah State that was expected to end his final season. Instead, the redshirt senior returned five weeks later and has made every start since.
  • Derek Barnett, DE: It’s difficult to call Barnett an overachiever given his four-star ranking as a prized recruit in 2014. But the Nashville native exceeded first season expectations by leading the Vols in tackles for loss (20.5) and finishing second in sacks (10.0). Barnett was the first true freshman in school history to start at defensive end to open the season.
  • Joshua Dobbs, QB: Dobbs went from third-string quarterback to savior in a matter of weeks. The sophomore started in four games and led Tennessee to a 3-1 record and its first bowl game in four seasons. Dobbs is expected to be the quarterback of the future, which was a breakthrough given his lack of success as a true freshman.

Underachievers

  • Offensive line: Tennessee’s offensive line was its worst position group in 2014. The Vols ranked No. 118 in sacks allowed with a total of 42 and an average of 3.5 per game. Tennessee also ranked No. 124 in tackles for loss allowed, ahead of only Wake Forest with 97. Not much was expected of this group given their lack of prior starting experience, but any expectations would have been higher than the production shown in 2014.
  • Marquez North, WR: North was present on several All-SEC lists, including being named to the All-SEC Coaches First-Team. As a freshman, North recorded 496 yards and a touchdown on 38 receptions, providing several highlight reel catches. However, injuries and double coverage hindered the sophomore’s production.
  • Mike Bajakian, offensive coordinator: Screen passes. At times it felt like all of Bajakian’s passing plays were screen passes. If not, the second-year coordinator called reverse plays in field goal range or on the goal line that cost Tennessee field position.