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Too Little, Too Late — Hogs show Fight but Comeback Bid Falls Short

Arkansas took some steps forward, but it wasn't good enough to steal a win.
ByAustin Farmer|
Oct 11, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Kam Shanks (15) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Kam Shanks (15) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images | Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Arkansas football falls just short of an upset as Tennessee walks away with a 34-31 win. The Vols take the win for the first time since 2007.

While the first game in Bobby Petrino's audition didn't pan out well, the Razorbacks showed a lot of fight. The offense, although it shot itself in the foot too many times, finally broke through in the second half. And in perhaps their most impressive showing yet, Arkansas’ defense finally pushed back against an offense (a top-10 at that), something it had failed to do all season.

Arkansas Football Falls Short Against Tennessee

After a decent first half from the Arkansas defense, it continued to perform out of the halftime break. The Hogs forced Tennessee, which ranks in the top-10 in most offensive categories, to punt three times. Of course, it still gave up 485 total yards and 34 points, but there's only so much an interim coach can do in a couple of weeks. Baby steps were expected, and the Razorbacks' defense took them.

The bulk of the blame, although it's difficult to put it on them when it scores 31 points, lies on the shoulders of the offense. The second-half scoring woes showed through a quarter and a half. The offense couldn't get out of its own way.

Fumbles were again the problem.

On the first drive out of the locker room, Braylon Russell was hit hard as he went to the ground in the head and neck area, fumbling the ball, yet targeting wasn't called. The Razorbacks had already gained 61 yards on six plays, and it turned out to be the most productive drive of the third quarter. The next two drives ended in a turnover on downs, a punt, and then another fumble — this time from quarterback Taylen Green. Green gave up two throughout the game in the same fashion, trying to throw a pass while running to his left. Tennessee finally made Arkansas pay, scoring a touchdown soon after and going up by three scores.

With just over eight minutes left in the game, the offense finally woke up. The Hogs put together back-to-back touchdown drives, the last with 2:55 left on the clock. Unfortunately, it was too little too late. The Vols iced the game on their final drive.

Next week, the Hogs will regroup and return to Fayetteville to take on the Texas A&M Aggies in Razorback Stadium for the first time since 2013.

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