Another road test.
Tennessee is back in action tonight, once again occupying the primetime slot on ABC. The Volunteers, now ranked No. 4 in the country, are coming off of a bye week after beating Oklahoma on the road. They’ll get another road test tonight, heading down to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas.
Look ahead spot? Absolutely. Tennessee has Florida and Alabama up next. Will they stay focused tonight? Our picks are below.
Terry Lambert: Tennessee 31, Arkansas 17
Trap game? Sure. But does Arkansas have the talent to overcome this elite Tennessee defense? I can’t see it. The Volunteers will win how they’ve won all season long, dominating up front and making the quarterback’s job nearly impossible.
The off week will make all the difference here for Tennessee, getting back both of their starting offensive tackles. I could see some shaky moments early in a tricky spot, but eventually this running game and defense will take over.
Craig Smith: Tennessee 34, Arkansas 19
I went with this score at the start of the week. Although I could change it, I’m not going to. I really like the Vols’ defense to feast here on an Arkansas line that’s had protection problems. They should be able to force some bad balls and generate mistakes from Taylen Green.
This game stays somewhat close, with the Vols having some trouble hitting the coup de grace, but they keep a comfortable lead throughout, just like they did against Oklahoma.
Connor Sexton: Tennessee 38, Arkansas 17
This has “trap game” written all over it. Next week is Checker Neyland and Florida. But that’s before big bad Bama comes to town, so you could also say that’s a trap game too. Well, regardless, the Vols know they must focus on this week first and grab a win on the road in a hostile environment. I think Arkansas is better than its 3-2 record shows. It could very well be 5-0 right now. But, that’s football. No doubt the striped crowd will be fired up for this game. But now, Nico has some experience under his belt and will get more on Saturday.
Arkansas has a mobile quarterback in Taylen Green, however, they are prone to turnovers; Green has thrown five picks so far this season and the team has fumbled the ball away four times. This has all happened in its last 4 games. Tennessee must create pressure and force bad decisions. You can bet on the Hogs stacking the box and forcing Nico to throw. I like UT’s defensive front against an Arkansas line that is not quite as “beefy” as usual (forgive the pun). I’m taking the Vols to not only win but cover the point spread in the fourth quarter. Rev up those fryers with the smell of bacon.
Matthew Seese: Tennessee 35, Arkansas 17
While I have the Vols winning by a three scores in Fayetteville, expect this to be a bit closer than you may think with the Vols pulling away in the fourth.
Arkansas is pesky. They are going to play tough games against everyone on their schedule, and Tennessee is next up. They’ve played OK State and A&M to one possession games, but the common theme here as it was for much of last year in close games, they lost.
Taylen Green is a very talented quarterback, but his flaws play into the hands of this opportunistic defense with a very good pass rush.
I also see this as an optics game for Tennessee. Arkansas’ ability to play good teams close is a testament to the talent they have. However, a great team will not have any trouble putting them away. We’re going to continue to see just which side of the line Tennessee falls on.