After a disappointing loss to Texas A&M, the Hogs' season gets even tougher, with No. 5 Tennessee coming to Fayetteville.
Nico Iamaleava and the Vols are one of the best offenses in the country, scoring over 50 points a night. Their defense has been just dominant, giving up seven points a game.
Can Arkansas pull off a little 1999 magic and upset a top-five Tennessee team in Fayetteville, or will they suffer yet another defeat? Razorbackers staff give their thoughts on the game.
Razorbackers Staff Predictions: Arkansas vs. Tennessee
Matthew
Arkansas just can’t seem to get over the hump against good teams after falling again to Texas A&M last week in Arlington, Texas. They will have another chance to change that narrative on Saturday when No. 4 Tennessee comes to town. A lot of attention this year has gone to the Volunteer offense which is averaging 54 points per game.
However, the Tennessee defense is also elite having given up just seven points per game. Arkansas struggled with the Aggie defense last week so there’s reason to worry about the Hogs’ ability to move the ball against the Vols, even at home.
Tennessee 35 – Arkansas 14
Sam
Arkansas will put up a fight in front of their home crowd, but Tennessee's high powered offense will prove too much in the second half.
Tennessee 38 – Arkansas 26
Austin
It seems that no one has learned the lesson Ole Miss taught us last week. Don't over-hype offenses before they're tested.
Tennessee hadn't played anyone of note until two weeks ago when it faced Oklahoma. The Sooners' defense slowed down Nico Iamaleava and the Vols, keeping the high-powered offense to 25 points. When you look at who Tennessee has played, Arkansas's defense is much closer to Oklahoma's than NC State, Kent State, or Chattanooga. So, the predictions going around with Arkansas losing by 25-30 points are absurd.
With that in mind, Tennessee wins this game, probably by two scores. The Hogs will need to score in the 30s to win this game, and I just don't have the confidence that the offense can run smoothly. I think Arkansas keeps it close for most of the game, maybe even going into the fourth quarter down by a touchdown or less. However, I do believe Tennessee's offense has the power to pull away late.
Tennessee 31 – Arkansas 17