For me, signs of progress for the Vols go beyond the score.
1. Are they well organized, in position on defense before the play, etc.
2. Do they get stupid penalties like substitutions, PFs for no reason, etc.
3. Is there any internal dissension?
4. Effort, this may be the biggest one, is anyone out there quitting or loafing?
If there are good answers to these questions, they should be improved no matter the final score.