Conference play resumes for both Arkansas and Tennessee this Saturday with both sides coming off of a bye. One bye week was more eventful than the other though, with Arkansas firing head coach Sam Pittman
after a blowout loss at home to Notre Dame. That means Bobby Petrino returns to his old gig, taking over the program on an interim basis.
Tennessee is looking for its first win over Arkansas since 2007. The Razorbacks beat the Volunteers in Fayetteville last season, but Tennessee is a completely remade team with an offense that ranks among the best in FBS. Tennessee is also in a bit of a look ahead spot with Alabama looming next. Arkansas is simply trying to get things back on track with a completely new defensive staff.
Here’s what we’ll have our eyes on during the game.
Will David Sanders start?
Five-star, top-five overall tackle David Sanders finally made his debut two weeks ago against Mississippi State after missing the first few games due to injury. Sanders was forced into action following an injury to Jesse Perry, which happened in a critical part of the game.
With a starting five that’s been set through five games, will Tennessee rock the boat and start the talented freshman? If so, that likely kicks Perry inside to guard and takes Sham Umarov out of the starting lineup.
“David’s cleared to play,” Josh Heupel said this week when asked if Sanders would start. “I mean, he’ll be a part of what we (do). Man, I’m not ready to say anything on that, but David’s going to play. We’re going to need all those guys.”
Remember this — Tennessee fended off a late push from Ohio State to land Sanders, which likely came with a hefty NIL price tag. A player of that caliber probably isn’t staying on the sidelines if healthy. Now with another week of rest, I’d bet he gets the nod. That was always the plan throughout fall camp.
How will the Arkansas defense change?
A big part of the reason why Sam Pittman was fired was atrocious defensive play, which came to a head against Notre Dame. Arkansas currently ranks 117th in total defense, giving up huge offensive days to Ole Miss, Memphis and Notre Dame. A hot Tennessee offense inside of Neyland stadium is going to be a huge challenge for a completely new defensive staff.
Chris Wilson, who was the assistant defensive line coach for the Razorbacks, takes over as the defensive play caller. Arkansas had Tennessee’s number last season at home, but this is a new-look offense now with Joey Aguilar bringing back the vertical passing game.
Still, Wilson serves as an unknown for Tennessee. New wrinkles will be installed and everything you’ve seen on tape so far this season could go out the window. Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle will have to be nimble on Saturday and adjust to what they see.
Big day potential for the Tennessee offense
Petrino is hoping that major changes on the defensive staff will jumpstart that unit, but they’ll only have about ten days or so to install anything new. The Razorbacks rank 108th against the run, giving up 168 yards on the ground per game. They rank 113th against the pass, giving up 257 yards per game and well over 13 yards per completion.
Defensive staff changes could help, but it won’t be a magic wand.
The Tennessee offense should have plenty of chances to put up numbers in this spot, whether it be through the air or on the ground. Chris Brazzell is among the leaders in the country in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and that number has a chance to grow on Saturday afternoon.
The point total is set at a whopping 68.5, so the oddsmakers certainly think points will be flowing.
Can Tennessee stop the run?
Tennessee has been surprisingly leaky against the run, even going all the way back to Syracuse in the opener. The Orange ran for over 100 yards in a losing effort, and quite frankly should have ran the ball more. Georgia ran for 198 in the SEC opener, then Mississippi State went for over 200 two weeks ago.
The Volunteers rank 39th in rushing defense to this point, and they’ll face a team that can get it done on the ground on Saturday. Arkansas has their issues, but running the ball isn’t one. The Razorbacks have the 21st ranked rushing offense, averaging 213 yards per game. They’re powered by Taylen Green, who checks in at 6-6, 224 pounds. Green has 441 rushing yards on the year, averaging over eight yards per carry.
“You’ve got to play gap-sound,” Heupel said of defending Green. “You’ve got to get off blocks. He’s dynamic. He’s got great long speed, and you’ve got to be able to tackle him. So in the different structures that we’re playing, our gap integrity is going to be important. When they’re dropping back and throwing, you can’t just let them sit back there and pat the ball either. You’ve got to apply pressure, but you’ve got to have great lane integrity as you’re doing that, so those will all be points that will be really important for us defensively.”
Mike Washington Jr. and Braylon Russell — both north of 220 pounds — are capable of wearing you down defensively. Washington leads the way with 393 rushing yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
Tennessee has been playing without two key defensive linemen for most of the year, so that’s not helped matters. Jaxson Moi returned against Mississippi State though, and Daevin Hobbs is set to return on Saturday. So for the first time all season, the Tennessee defensive line will be at full strength, and they’ll certainly be needed.
Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday. SEC Network will have the call.
