Here is a rundown of everything Tennessee’s Josh Heupel said about this weekend’s matchup against Arkansas in Fayetteville (Ark.)
The Razorbacks and Volunteers are set for a 6:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff from Razorback Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
[You might be interested in: Arkansas Football Depth Chart: Week 6 Tennessee]
Tennessee coming off a bye, prepping for Arkansas
“For us, guys got back in the building today. Had a good workout on the grass as we pushed forward to get ready for Arkansas. First of all, I know it’s going to be a great environment there. This is a really good football team. They’re a couple plays away from being undefeated. You look at the way that they played this past weekend, they’re playing extremely physical both sides of the line of scrimmage.
“Defensively, one of the best teams in the country, defensively, and offensively they’re rushing the football about as good as anybody, and they’ve created plays on special teams, so a huge test for us this week to prepare the right way and get ready to go play our best football.”
Heupel on what stands out about the Razorback defense
“They’ve created a bunch of turnovers. I think they play extremely hard. All three levels of the defense are tied in on the run game. They’ve done a really good job against the rush. They’ve done a really good job on third downs, too. They make it difficult to go create and pick up first downs and create explosive plays.”
Vols understand challenge of facing Taylen Green
“Dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. That’s designed quarterback runs. It’s read game, which can be first- or second-level reads for him. It’s when plays break down. He’s got the ability to escape, outrun people, get outside of the pocket and make plays. Anytime you’re facing a quarterback that’s that dynamic, that is where the game starts for you defensively.
“On pass plays, you’ve got to push the pocket, but you can’t let him escape, and the quarterback-run game, you better have your eyes on the right place, play the play based off of what you’re seeing the right way and then be in a fundamental position to squeeze and go make a play.”
Heupel on slowing down Arkansas’ potent rushing attack
“Their offensive line’s playing at a high level, but he’s got the ability to make the numbers right for them. Any time the quarterback-run game’s a part of it, you get a chance to make the numbers right. So you’ve got to play (with) gap integrity, assignment-sound, but then you’ve also got to destruct blocks, get off and go make a play. His speed, how dynamic of a player he is makes that a difficult thing to do, because he’s got the ability at times to just outrun the defender.”