KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Little time had passed following Tennessee's 34-3 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday night before the challenge that lies ahead this week crossed the mind of the UT staff.
In past years, a loss of that type could have had a lasting impact on the psyche of the team. But Tennessee coach Butch Jones still sees his team progressing, both mentally and physically.
"We are going through a process of building a football program right now and you can't get caught in the emotions of the ups and downs, the natural adversities that a football season brings about and the building of a football program," Jones said in his weekly press conference on Monday at Neyland Stadium. "We are all disappointed, because you play the game to win and it is a bottom-line business. You are measured on wins and losses, I understand that. But again you have to go back and look where you are, and I am as optimistic and encouraged as I have ever been and I see progress every day."
The progress is not limited to on the field, where Jones has seen performances like Derek Barnett's career-best 10 tackles against Ole Miss. The freshman had four tackles for loss, including two sacks, the second and third of his Tennessee career. Jones also sees it in the way his players respond after every game, win or loss.
"Completely different culture, mindset, the inordinate amount of texts I receive again, you know from individuals," Jones said. "They take pride in their performance. They internalize every play that they make. The big thing for a young football team is not getting caught up in the outside distractions, those are all external factors. Just focus on being a better football player each and every day. You are responsible for what you create every day."
That is not to say there was not disappointment in the performance. The hurt that Jones has referenced this season was present, it also helped fuel the team's recovery as they prepared for Alabama.
"What you would expect, very disappointed, disappointed in a number of things," Jones said of the reaction. "But also ready to get back to work. I met with our players staff and we spoke about where we are going, the journey we are on, it is a long football season, keeping these in perspective,
It is one area where the mix of youth combined with strong senior leadership has actually helped in moving on to the next challenge.
"That is what I expected, said Jones. "We are so youthful, they don't know any better. They have no past experiences. They don't know what they don't know. They just show up to work every day."
Jones singled out A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt for the leadership they bring to the Tennessee defense and helping the young players understand moving forward. He is also relying on them making the finish to 2014 different from the past.
"They have seen this materialize before, what makes you different?" Jones said. "What makes you a different leader? What are you doing different to lead? How have you learned from your past experiences? Because that is what great leaders do. Just that overall stability and leadership and hunger I see every day."
Kiffin Factor Non-factor For Vol Players
While fans may have an eye on the return of former UT head coach Lane Kiffin to Neyland Stadium as Alabama's offensive coordinator, it was a non-starter for Tennessee players.
"We are just focused on playing football," defensive end Corey Vereen said. "It's our team against their team. We aren't really focused on the exterior things, Lane Kiffin or whoever coming back. We're focused on playing football."
Kiffin's only year in Knoxville was 2009, meaning no current players played for or were heavily recruited by him while at UT.
"No, that was before my time," defensive back Cam Sutton said when asked if he knew about Kiffin's tenure. "I don't have any familiarity with him. I feel it was never a distraction anyways because we're about playing football."
Butch Jones said he knew the return was a hot topic with fans, but that it had no beaning on him and his players.
(E-mail Larry Fleming at larryfleming44@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @larryfleming44)