Over the last few years, the results haven't been what Arkansas fans wanted, but at least the storylines have been perhaps the most interesting in college sports. It's the type of drama Netflix producers dream of.
The vibe in Bud Walton Arena had never been higher in the preseason when Arkansas named John Calipari the head coach of the Hardwood Hogs. His first season looked like a wash after starting 0-5 in conference play, but somehow he battled through injuries to make the Sweet Sixteen. Dave Van Horn is the GOAT of the regular season, but can't seem to break the national championship glass ceiling. And somehow, the Diamond Hogs keep finding novel way to end their season.
With just basketball and baseball, the Arkansas athletics roller coaster is enough to make any normal fan sick to their stomach. Then there's football.
Arguably, the most insane turn of events has occurred on the Razorback Gridiron. Former Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino, who left the Natural State in disgrace, made a trip back to Fayetteville in November 2023; this time, as the offensive coordinator. Less than two years later, Arkansas made Petrino the interim head coach after firing Sam Pittman.
Now, Petrino's head coach audition starts on Saturday as the Hogs head to Neyland Stadium.
Arkansas football vs Tennessee: Final Odds and Predictions
For Petrino to have a successful audition, he likely must make a bowl game. So, for those counting at home, that's four wins. With Texas A&M, Auburn, Mississippi State, LSU, Texas, and Missouri left on the schedule, it's hard to find three wins, let alone four. So, Petrino 2.0's debut must show some teeth in Knoxville for his head coaching asperations to have a shot.
Specifically, the defense has been lacking in both effort and execution. Petrino's known as an offensive mind, so reviving the defense that knocked off the Vols last season may be his hardest challenge yet. It's only made harder by a prolific Tennessee offense.
Quarterback Joey Aguilar has been everything Vols' head coach Josh Heuple wanted and more. The UCLA transfer is the second-leading passer in the SEC through six weeks. He's also tied at No. 2 with Alabama signal-caller Ty Simpson in touchdowns with 13. Tennessee can also rush the ball with two running backs, each having eclipsed 300 yards already this season.
Just because the defense needs the most help doesn't mean Petrino can't forget about his own side of the ball. Arkansas' offense looked anemic against Notre Dame, and it's only scored seven points in the second half over the last three games. Now, with Arkansas' wide receiver Jalen Brown out for the season, the Hogs will look to Courtney Crutchfield to pick up the slack.
Still, the Hogs have had remarkable success on the offensive side of the ball despite their second-half struggles. Quarterback Taylen Green is the No. 4 play-caller in the SEC with 1,398 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's also the fourth-leading rusher in the conference with 441 yards. The Hogs happen to be one of two teams (Mizzou's Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts) with two rushers in the top ten. Mike Washington Jr. ranks No. 8 with 393 yards.
Thankfully, Tennessee is a team much like Arkansas; its offense is great, but the defense is filled with holes. The Vols rank No. 77 in total defense, but their scoring defense ranks No. 101 in points given up per game. Most of them are given up by its No. 114 passing defense.
“They have a great defense, but a lot of holes. A lot of holes in their defense, so it’s going to be a fun game.” - Arkansas RB Mike Washington on the matchup with Tennessee pic.twitter.com/DXNVfiCq8H
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) October 8, 2025
If Petrino can show noticeable progress after just two weeks installing his system, it might turn a few heads and spark real conversation about him being Arkansas’ next head coach. And if the Hogs win, there's no question who will be the talk of the nation.
Here's our final predictions for Arkansas' game against Tennessee:
Final Predictions
Jackson McAfee: Tennessee, 41-20
Patrick Geans: Arkansas, 37-35
Antonio Daniels: Arkansas, 42-39
Austin Farmer: Tennessee, 45-28
Final odds via FanDuel.com
The spread has moved two points in favor of the Hogs since Thursday. The moneyline has also moved in favor of Arkansas, but the odds still heavily favor the Vols.
Spread: -10.5 Tennessee
Arkansas moneyline: +310
Tennessee moneyline: -390
Over/under: 68.5
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