A season removed from hoisting the national championship trophy, Tennessee baseball isn't playing sound baseball.

The Vols are far from a bad team, but they certainly aren't reaching the lofty expectations that Tony Vitello has set due to past success.

Currently, Tennessee is 37-11 and 14-10 in SEC play. The Vols are coming off a home series loss to Auburn and have lost three-straight series inside the conference.

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What is standing in the way of Vitello's team finding the success it's capable of are what he called 'roadblocks.'

The roadblocks standing in the way stem to emotions taking over. Vitello understands that saying that is rich coming from him, especially given the press conference was held shortly after he was ejected, but he still feels like it's the biggest issue.

The talent, leadership and ability to win are all there, it's just the self-imposed roadblocks hindering success.

"We had a conversation there at the end. I think in moments, guys get out of character, maybe get a little over emotional, or stuff like that," Vitello said. "Which I know is comical to use that phrase now. But again, I think there was a little more calculation to things. You guys can piece everything together. But no, I think there’s enough talent, enough leadership and enough ability to execute. But we throw up some roadblocks in our own way at times."

Vitello isn't saying there shouldn't be some extra fight in his team, either. He's seen emotions used the right way to get his previous teams over the top to win games, series and ultimately rings.

He even referenced this as a 'trademark' of the fiery program.

He's just looking for a balance between emotions getting in the way and passion leading to success.

"I think some guys will get a little too wrapped up emotionally in what’s going on," Vitello said. "And you want guys to play with passion. I think that’s been a trademark of ours. Have a little extra fight. I do think they have that, but the way you execute that is to have your emotions under control. And sometimes that can spill over even for our best guys. Like I said, it’s rare for Hunter (Ensley), he’s been there, done that, but you could go on down the list, and Gavin (Kilen) is pretty good, but otherwise you can see that spill over for some guys, where they get a little out of control themselves. And in order to be in control, you got to be under control."

Now, Tennessee will round out its home slate of the regular season in an attempt to get back on track.

The newly No. 15 Vols are welcoming No. 11 Vanderbilt to Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville next weekend. The series will be held Friday through Sunday at 5:30, 5 and 3.

Before that, Tennessee will host Indiana State on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET on SECN+.

The final home game will be held against Belmont on May 13 following the series with the Commodores. The regular season will come to a close against Arkansas on the road. The Razorbacks are currently ranked as the No. 7 team in the country.

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