After an eventful bye week following the loss to Notre Dame, the Hogs return to the gridiron to face No. 12 Tennessee.
This matchup features two of the SEC’s top-five offenses in both yards and points per game. The Vols look to avenge last year’s loss in Fayetteville, while the Hogs aim to get back on track after three straight losses.
Previewing Tennessee
Tennessee has shown off an explosive offense this season. Even in their loss to Georgia, the Vols still put up 41 points and have scored 40 or more in every game. Quarterback Joey Aguilar has been impressive, completing 65 percent of his passes for 1,459 yards and 13 touchdowns, the second-most passing yards in the SEC. His top target, wide receiver Chris Brazzell, has hauled in 31 catches for 531 yards and seven touchdowns, with a long of 72 yards.
On defense, linebacker Arion Carter leads the SEC with 49 tackles, while defensive lineman Joshua Josephs ranks fourth in sacks with four. However, like the Hogs, Tennessee’s defense hasn’t matched its offensive success. The Vols allow the second-most points per game and the most passing yards per game in the conference.
Previewing the Hogs
The Hogs and interim head coach Bobby Petrino now look to take down the Vols after losing back-to-back one-possession games and getting blown out by Notre Dame. Quarterback Taylen Green has put up strong numbers through five games, completing 62 percent of his passes for 1,398 yards, fourth-best in the SEC, along with 441 rushing yards, also fourth in the league. Despite struggling against Notre Dame, Green still managed 207 passing yards and 81 rushing yards.
With Green and running backs Mike Washington and Braylen Russell, the Hogs have the SEC’s second-best rushing attack, averaging 213 yards per game. The passing game ranks fourth in the conference. While Arkansas can move the ball, the key will be finishing drives, the Hogs will need all the points they can muster in Knoxville.
Defensively, it will be worth watching what changes have been made following the coaching shakeup. The Hogs’ defense has struggled, but several players have stood out individually. Linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. ranks fifth in the SEC in tackles, defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes Jr. sits second in sacks, and defensive back Julian Neal is tied for the league lead in interceptions.
Hogs to Watch
Quarterback Taylen Green and wide receiver O’Mega Blake could have big days against the SEC’s worst pass defense. Blake has been Green’s favorite target, with more than double the receptions of the next-closest receiver. For Arkansas to have a chance against a ranked SEC opponent like Tennessee on the road, the offense will need to find its rhythm early and maintain it.
On defense, Rhodes and Neal will be key. Rhodes hasn’t recorded a sack against a Power Four opponent yet, but he posted six tackles and two sacks in the last road game at Memphis. Against a high-scoring Tennessee offense, the defensive line must pressure Aguilar. The Hogs will likely need at least one turnover, and Neal, tied for the SEC lead in interceptions, will need to play a major role in the defensive secondary.
Broadcast Information
Time: 3:15 p.m. CST
Date: Oct. 11
Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn.
TV: SEC Network
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