Tennessee’s 14-3 win over Charlotte on Saturday was about as lackluster as a win could possibly be. So what that means for the Vols’ future is yet to be determined.

Tennessee managed only 192 yards on offense against the 49ers, who gained 244 total yards in return. The Vols were only able to pick up 20 yards rushing against a below average Conference USA team. The win was a stark reminder that these Vols can’t play poorly and expect to beat anyone.

However, Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt found a way to put a positive spin on the victory.

“I was really proud of the way our guys found a way to get a win,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what you’re trying to do. I thought defensively we limited some explosive plays, and we kind of made them earn it, so that helped us.”

That sounds good, but it’s really coach speak for “Wow, good to get through that one.” For some unknown reason, the Vols staggered through their fifth consecutive homecoming win. That’s either a sign of a young team not prepared for a lesser opponent or an inexperienced team still reeling from a loss against South Carolina that easily could have  been a win.

Either is unacceptable.

One would think that Tennessee’s younger players would play hard to impress their new coaching staff against a team like Charlotte. First impressions have been made, but most any Vol could continue to assert themselves for more expanded roles in the future.

Nope, let’s just take the day off. That seemed to be the attitude against Charlotte.

Credit the Vols for a special teams score. UT’s Marquez Callaway returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown. Special teams will need to be a staple for these Vols as they try to become more relevant in the SEC. The kicking game could provide a much-needed win down the road. But what if Callaway hadn’t have broken free? Would the Vols stumble on Saturday been punctuated by a 7-3 win — or even a loss had the game gone differently?

Much has been made about Pruitt’s shortcomings as a first-year head coach. He hasn’t set the right tone offensively for much of the season. His in-game decisions have lacked insight. He didn’t even know how to challenge officiating calls. All of that is understandable. However, to have his team simply not show up against Charlotte on Saturday is head-scratching.

One would expect that Pruitt’s Vols would be physical, tough and hungry. They didn’t look the part against Charlotte. The Vols looked as listless as they had under previous coaches that ended up failing miserably at Tennessee.

Injuries have been a significant factor lately for the Vols. As expected, Tennessee without its best offensive lineman, Trey Smith, who was taken out of the starting lineup last week with blood clots in his lungs. This week, the Vols were without their most talented receiver, Jauan Jennings, who was out with an unspecified injury, according to Pruitt. Those are just two of the key absences that hampered the Vols against Charlotte. There are many more that have occurred throughout the season.

The injuries make one wonder. Is this team just too thin to manage two victories in its next three games? The Vols will need that in order to become bowl eligible. UT’s narrow win against Charlotte would give no objective fan reason to think that the Vols can go on a 2-1 run against SEC foes.

Perhaps it’s a good sign for Tennessee that a win seems like a ho-hum walk through the park. Perhaps the Vols simply had an off day against Charlotte. The real fear for those looking to make bowl plans is that this hole-filled roster can’t be filled this season, especially with significant injuries.

If that’s the case, then thousands of UT fans will have some extra cash on hand during the holidays because the Vols won’t be leaving Knoxville in December.