A Late Surge and Costly Fumbles: Arkansas Pushes, but Tennessee Holds Off

A loss was expected, and many anticipated it might be lopsided. Arkansas, still reeling from a humiliating defeat to No. 16 Notre Dame, entered the game against No. 12 Tennessee with lingering issues that a bye week could not easily resolve.

The game, however, was not as easy as expected for the Volunteers or even for Razorback fans. Arkansas fought hard and pushed late, but Tennessee, seeking revenge for the Hogs’ upset in Fayetteville last season, ultimately held on for a 34-31 victory at Neyland Stadium.

Under interim coach Bobby Petrino, the Razorbacks showed resilience. In the closing minutes, Arkansas mounted a spirited rally, hinting at potential and giving fans reason to believe in the team.

First Quarter: Arkansas Sets the Tone

Arkansas started the game with possession, but the drive began sluggishly. Quarterback Taylen Green was sacked for a three-yard loss. Momentum shifted when Mike Washington burst free for a 33-yard run, putting Arkansas in striking distance. Green finished the drive himself with an 11-yard keeper, and Scott Starzyk’s extra point gave the Razorbacks a 7-0 lead after a patient nine-play, 75-yard march that consumed nearly five minutes of clock.

Tennessee answered with rapid precision. DeSean Bishop ripped off a 15-yard run before Joey Aguilar connected with Braylon Staley for 17 yards. Bishop then pushed through again for a 17-yard touchdown run. Max Gilbert’s PAT tied the game at 7-all, a seven-play, 75-yard drive completed in just over two minutes.

Arkansas regained the ball and again found sparks in Washington’s legs with a 27-yard run. But the Volunteers struck back when Jalen McMurray sacked Green and forced a fumble, recovered by Tennessee. The Razorbacks’ defense held, forcing a three-and-out, and Arkansas regained the ball after a 45-yard punt for a touchback.

The Razorbacks responded with a sustained drive. Braylen Russell broke a 22-yard run, and Green hit Raylen Sharpe and CJ Brown on key completions to keep the chains moving. The drive stalled near the red zone, but Starzyk’s 28-yard field goal kept Arkansas ahead, 10-7, as the first quarter closed.

Second Quarter: A Back-and-Forth Battle

Tennessee opened the second quarter methodically. Aguilar found Staley twice, including a critical 15-yard third-and-ten catch to extend the drive. Gilbert’s 37-yard field goal tied the game at 10-all, completing a 12-play, 75-yard march.

Arkansas answered immediately. Green connected with O’Mega Blake for 20 yards before scrambling for 22 on third-and-nine. A quick pass to Raylen Sharpe set up Mike Washington’s one-yard touchdown run, and Starzyk’s extra point gave Arkansas a 17-10 lead after an 11-play, 75-yard drive.

The Volunteers responded with urgency. Aguilar launched a 42-yard bomb to Staley, then found Miles Kitselman for a touchdown, tying the game at 17-all with Gilbert’s PAT. Arkansas’ next drive faltered when Green was sacked for 11 yards, forcing a punt. Bishop briefly sparked Tennessee with a 32-yard run, but the Volunteers eventually punted back to the Razorbacks. With one second remaining, Green took a knee, sending both teams into halftime tied at 17-17.

Third Quarter: Tennessee Pulls Ahead

Tennessee opened the half with Bishop breaking free for 25 yards. A pass to Miles Kitselman was broken up by Julian Neal, but Gilbert drilled a 50-yard field goal to put the Volunteers ahead 20-17 after a nine-play, 43-yard drive.

Arkansas tried to answer. Green hit Kam Shanks for 24 yards on third-and-eight, and Russell added a 15-yard run. The momentum collapsed, however, when Russell fumbled and Tennessee recovered. The Volunteers could not capitalize and punted 47 yards back to Arkansas.

On the next drive, Green scrambled for 18 yards on third-and-ten, but his fourth-down pass fell incomplete. Tennessee once again failed to convert on their next possession, punting the ball back. Arkansas stalled, and Bale sent a 42-yard punt to the Tennessee 26.

Tennessee struck decisively. Aguilar found Mike Matthews for 27 yards, followed by a 26-yard Bishop run. Peyton Lewis powered in a two-yard touchdown, putting the Volunteers ahead 27-17 after a swift six-play, 74-yard drive.

Fourth Quarter: Arkansas’ Late Surge

Arkansas opened with Green sacked for nine yards, then fumbling on the next play. Four plays later, Lewis punched in his second touchdown of the game, and Gilbert’s PAT extended Tennessee’s lead to 34-17.

The Razorbacks refused to quit. Green, sacked again for five yards, recovered with an 18-yard pass to Blake on third-and-nine. He then found Rohan Jones for a nine-yard touchdown, and Starzyk’s extra point cut the deficit to 34-24.

Tennessee could not close the game. Arkansas forced a punt and orchestrated a rapid, methodical drive. Green connected with Raylen Sharpe for 30 yards, CJ Brown for 12, Brown again for 20, and Kam Shanks for a 12-yard touchdown. Starzyk’s PAT brought the Razorbacks within three, 34-31, after a seven-play, 80-yard march.

Tennessee held the ball briefly, with Aguilar scrambling for 28 yards and Lewis converting a critical third-and-one for seven yards to seal the victory. Time expired at Neyland Stadium, and Tennessee survived a late Arkansas surge, holding on for a 34-31 win.

Defense Shows Improvement, but Issues Persist

Saturday’s matchup provided the first real test for Arkansas’ nearly rebuilt defensive staff following the bye week. Fans were eager to see whether the Razorbacks, ranked among the nation’s and the SEC’s weakest defenses, could contain Tennessee’s high-powered offense.

After a crushing 56-13 loss to Notre Dame, the program made sweeping changes. Defensive line coach Deke Adams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson, and defensive coordinator Travis Williams were all released. Assistant defensive line coach Chris Wilson stepped up as interim defensive coordinator, while assistant defensive backs coach Che Hendrix was promoted to safeties coach. Jay Hayes joined as the new defensive line coach, and first-year secondary coach Nick Perry was retained.

Against a tough opponent, Arkansas showed clear signs of improvement. The Razorbacks stopped Tennessee on seven of nine third-down attempts, demonstrating discipline and sharper execution that contributed to a remarkably clean game with just one team penalty. Still, the Volunteers controlled the line of scrimmage, winning the sack battle 5-0, the tackles-for-loss 9-2, and the turnover battle 3-0, even while holding the ball for 10 fewer minutes than Arkansas.

Tennessee’s offense often looked effortless, yet Arkansas managed to hold the Volunteers to four fewer yards than they allowed in a shocking loss at Memphis three weeks ago. While the game exposed lingering weaknesses, it also offered tangible proof that the revamped defensive staff is making progress.

Addressing Second-Half Offensive Woes

After a strong start in the first two games, Arkansas’ offense stumbled in the second halves of losses to Ole Miss and Memphis. Week 5 against Notre Dame offered little reprieve, as the Razorbacks managed only 13 points in the first half and were held scoreless over the final 30 minutes.

While defensive struggles have drawn the most attention, the offense’s inconsistency from half to half has also been a persistent concern.

Against Tennessee, however, there were encouraging signs. Even as the Volunteers pulled ahead 27-17 and later 34-17, Arkansas showed the ability to mount a late rally with a few quick plays. The comeback fell short, but it offered a clear glimpse of progress.

Mike Washington stood out even in defeat. He powered through for 131 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries and added a six-yard reception. His second-quarter score knotted the game at 17-all, underscoring his central role in keeping the Razorbacks in contention.

A Lot of Work Ahead for Petrino

Bobby Petrino, who is vying for a permanent role, has already begun making a noticeable impact. Since Sam Pittman’s departure, not a single Arkansas player has entered the transfer portal, a testament to the team’s cohesion under Petrino’s leadership. The Razorbacks have adjusted to a new normal as they aim to turn the season around over the remaining nine weeks.

In his first game back as head coach, even in an interim capacity, Petrino gave fans reason for optimism. Arkansas showed clear improvement against a higher-ranked opponent, signaling that progress is underway. At the same time, Saturday’s game revealed the challenges that remain. Missed opportunities and repeated fumbles, which ultimately cost the team, underscored the work that still lies ahead.

The next matchup promises to be even more demanding. Arkansas returns home to Fayetteville next week to face number five Texas A and M, a crucial test that will put Petrino’s case for a permanent role on full display.