Tennessee football season is statistical nightmare, but Vols' last 5 games should help

Tennessee’s 3-4 start has disappointed some fans and enraged others. But if those fans look beyond the record and check the stats, they will become even more disappointed and enraged.

The season has been a statistical disaster. In fact, given the stats, you could say that Tennessee has overachieved at 3-4.

More:John Kelly, Will Ignont cited after marijuana found following traffic stop

Here’s how the Vols stand nationally in a few statistical categories:

125th in total offense.

122nd in rushing defense.

116th in scoring offense.

111th in passing offense.

107th in rushing offense.

78th in total defense.

Adams:It's not all Butch Jones' fault — Vols' penalties have hurt

UT’s numbers look worse when you look elsewhere.

The Vols have passed for seven touchdowns in seven games. Former Tennessee quarterback Riley Ferguson passed for seven touchdowns in Memphis’ 70-31 victory over UConn.

The Vols have scored 53 points in their past five games. Central Florida is averaging 47.3 points per game.

The Vols have totaled 945 yards in the past four games. Florida Atlantic, coached by former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, gained 804 yards last Saturday against North Texas.

The Vols have totaled 503 yards in the past three games. Georgia Tech gained 655  against UT in the season opener.

More:Taylor remains suspended, Evan Berry is day-to-day, Medley is back

You can’t blame the Vols solely for those numbers. Their opponents have had a huge hand in UT’s dismal stats.

Alabama ranks first in fewest yards allowed per game. Georgia is third in total defense.

Georgia Tech, Alabama and Georgia all rank in the top 10 in rushing yards per game.

The good news for Tennessee is that its next five opponents aren’t nearly as statistically prominent. And some of them even have stats comparable to UT’s.

More:Jones' salary ranks 20th nationally, Mason 44th

Up next Saturday in Lexington, Ky., is Kentucky, which ranks 112th nationally in total offense. Then comes Southern Mississippi, which has best the stats of Tennessee’s remaining opponents. The Golden Eagles rank 26th nationally in total defense and 38th in total offense. However, those stats weren’t compiled against SEC competition.

Missouri, which the Vols play Nov. 11, is the most likely opponent to boost UT's struggling offense. The Tigers rank 112th in total defense.

They might not do as much for one of Tennessee’s few redeeming stats, though. The Vols rank fourth in fewest passing yards allowed per game. One explanation for that: It’s so easy to run on Tennessee, why bother passing?

Missouri doesn’t mind passing against anyone. It ranks 13th in passing yardage per game, and only three other teams have thrown for more touchdowns.

LSU is 25th in total defense and 54th in total offense. And its ranking is apt to drop in both categories after playing Alabama in its next game.

More:How Tennessee Vols football plans to make fourth straight bowl game

The biggest opportunity for UT to enhance its stats will come in the regular-season finale against Vanderbilt. The Commodores’ stats are as unimpressive as Tennessee’s. They rank 125th in rushing offense, 124th in total offense, 121st in rushing defense and 85th in total defense.

That game can't get here fast enough.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: Twitter.com/johnadamskns.