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Tennessee Football Preview: Vols Look To Stay Undefeated With SEC Clash Against Arkansas | Rocky Top Insider

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Tennessee Football Preview: Vols Look To Stay Undefeated With SEC Clash Against Arkansas | Rocky Top Insider


Tennessee vs Arkansas. Logos via team websites.

The Opponent: The University of Arkansas was founded in 1871 as Arkansas Industrial University. The school has over 30,000 total students and serves as the flagship program of the state-wide system. Arkansas started playing football in 1894 and competed in the historic Southwest Conference for most of the 20th century. The Razorbacks claimed the 1964 National Title under legendary coach Frank Broyles. Tennessee is 13-6 all-time versus Arkansas but has lost three straight to the Hogs. Tennessee last won in Fayetteville in 2001. Arkansas is coached by former Tennessee offensive line coach, Sam Pittman. In his fifth season in Fayetteville, Pittman is 26-27 overall and 12-24 in the SEC.

Are they any good?: Yes, Arkansas is a good team. We are finding out that there are not many bad teams in the SEC this season. This is a high-variance Arkansas team, with both a high ceiling and a low floor. The Prodigal Son, Bobby Petrino, has breathed life into an offense that had become rather stale under Dan Enos. Alongside quarterback Taylen Green, Petrino has made this a dangerous and balanced attack for the Hogs. Defensively, Arkansas is giving up yardage but not many points. The great equalizer is turnovers. Arkansas is tied with Tennessee with seven takeaways on the season. Tennessee will be the best offense Arkansas has faced on the season. Arkansas will likely be the best offense Tennessee has faced on the season. The Hogs sit at 3-2 for the year. Six wins would likely be a bare minimum to save Sam Pittman’s job. With games remaining against LSU, Ole Miss, Texas, and Missouri, Arkansas likely needs to pull off an upset somewhere to make this season a success.

What will this tell us about Tennessee?: This game will tell us a lot more about Tennessee’s defense. The Volunteers’ defensive stats are other-worldly through September. Tennessee has the top-scoring defense in the SEC at 7.0 ppg. The Vols are giving up less than 180 yards per game and under just 50 ypg rushing. Opponents are only converting 17% of their third downs on Tennessee. It is all too good to be true. The reality is Tennessee has not played a good offense to this point in the season. Yes, we can comfortably say Tennessee has a good defense. Is it truly elite though? How they play against Taylen Green and this Arkansas attack will offer more insight into that question.

What does Vegas say?: This line has consistently stayed around -13.5 all week. The game total is between 58 and 59 points. Arkansas is 4-1 ATS this season, including 3-0 ATS as underdogs. Tennessee is 4-0 ATS on the season. Las Vegas sees this game as around 35-22 Tennessee – or something to that effect. Tennessee has eclipsed 30 points just once in its last five SEC road games. Arkansas has scored over 30 just twice in its last ten conference games.

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Matchup to watch on Offense: How well does Tennessee protect Nico Iamaleava on Saturday night? The main concern leaving Oklahoma was clearly the play of Tennessee’s offensive tackles, and protecting its quarterback. After watching two strip-sacks, Josh Heupel had clearly seen enough. The Vols went ultra-conservative offensively and were able to ride a smothering defense to a conference road win. Is that a sustainable game plan? I am skeptical. It is likely Tennessee will need to score 30+ to win a game this season, maybe even Saturday night. The return of Lance Heard will help. The LSU transfer has had two weeks to rest a sore ankle. The assumption is he will be a full participant Saturday night. John Campbell may just be playing on a pitch count this season, so expect to see Dayne Davis and/or Larry Johnson regularly this fall. Regardless of the personnel, this Tennessee offense is limited if it can’t give Nico time to let routes develop downfield. This is an Arkansas secondary that has given up its share of chunk passing plays this season. That includes four of 50+ yards. Outside of one big strike to Dont’e Thornton, the Vols were limited in the downfield game against the Sooners. Nico has shown a nice touch on the deep ball. This is also a good game to work the tight ends and slot in the middle of the field. It all starts with protection though. Tennessee has to do a better job of protecting its quarterback Saturday night. LSU transfer Landon Jackson is an All-Conference pass rusher for the Razorbacks. At linebacker, Georgia transfer Xavian Sorey Jr has had a nice start to the season as well. Sorey has made multiple plays in the backfield through September. Arkansas knows it has to make plays on Nico Iamaleava to win this game. If the Vols can keep Nico clean and turnover-free, then it is hard to see Tennessee losing this game.

More from RTI: Former Championship Coach Boasts He’s ‘Still A Tennessee Bandwagon Guy’

Matchup to watch on Defense: Make Taylen Green a pocket passer, and show discipline when he breaks the pocket. Green can make plays with his legs. Tennessee can live with the QB getting 50-60 yards rushing if need be. He is most dangerous as a passer when the pocket breaks down though. Green keeps his eyes downfield, and tries to make plays. Taylen Green has been very inaccurate at times this season though. He has as many interceptions as touchdowns and is completing just 52% of his passes in conference play. Arkansas has allowed 12 sacks on the season. The reality is that number would be much higher if not for the athletic ability of Taylen Green. The Hogs have really struggled with pressure off the edge. Their rate of pressure allowed is one of the worst in FBS. Texas A&M had two strip-sacks of Taylen Green last Saturday. Still, it is not enough to just pressure Green. He is used to that pressure. Tennessee has to keep contain on Green and get him on the ground whenever possible. More importantly, the Volunteer secondary can not get caught peaking into the backfield when Green starts to improvise. Tennessee’s secondary was the talk, if not the worry, of fall camp. Thus far, the Volunteers have looked solid in the defensive backfield. How much have they been tested though? It is easy to have defensive busts with a quarterback like Taylen Green. Defenders in pass coverage have to stick with their assignment until Green breaks the line of scrimmage. Every good upset starts with a few crazy bust plays. The Volunteers need to be guarded against those on Saturday night.

Fun Fact: There are no shortage of Arkansas alums worth highlighting; the Waltons, the Tyson family, Jerry Jones, or Pat Summerall. It is political season though, so let’s get political. As wild and whacky as the American presidential election may get, we can never be Panama. The ballad of Ricardo Martinelli is way too long for this simple column. I would encourage you to read up on the former Panamanian president, and proud Arkansas alum though. Martinelli made billions as part of his business empire, before parlaying that success into the presidency in 2009. He served into 2014, and was considered a very successful president for Panama. Legal troubles have chased Martinelli ever since leaving office though. At one point he was fighting extradition from a Miami mansion. In 2023, he was convicted to 10 years in prison for money laundering. In spite of his conviction, Martinelli continued his campaign for reelection into his old office. He also sought emergency asylum from the country of Nicaragua. Martinelli has been living inside the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama City for months now. The Supreme Court of Panama finally ruled Martinelli ineligible to run for president, due to his criminal conviction. However, his running mate, José Raúl Mulino, was able to step in and win the election anyway. Martinelli’s influence still lays heavy over Panama, even as he remains isolated in the embassy. Wonder if he’ll be able to watch the game Saturday night?

So what Happens?: Saturday will be Tennessee’s last road game until a November 16th trip to Athens. SEC road games are never easy, and Saturday should be no exception. Tennessee is going to get everyone’s best shot this season, especially when it is a prime-time ABC game. Arkansas is a tough team to predict. There is a world where Arkansas is 5-0 entering this game. Most of that unpredictability has to do with their quarterback play, which we have already touched on. Arkansas has been solid running the ball this season though. Ja’Quinden Jackson leads the SEC in rushing with 509 yards, and an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. Jackson is a physical back but also has a nice explosive gear. His production has really fallen off in Arkansas’ two SEC games though, just 3.5 yards per carry. I don’t expect him to find much more success against a Tennessee defense giving up only 50 yards rushing per game. Bobby Petrino will have a nice script to start the game. That will include some read-option plays with Taylen Green. I expect Arkansas to have less and less success running the ball as the game goes along though. The depth of Tennessee’s defensive line will continue to pay dividends in this game. Look for an impactful game from both Keenan Pili and Arion Carter.

I will stop short of calling it a breakout game, but I expect Nico Iamaleava to show up big time against Arkansas. The Vols will still let the run game power this offense, especially in the second half, but I expect Nico to find open targets downfield in this game. I think Tennessee goes at Doneiko Slaughter early on, and makes him show he can cover speed out of the slot. You will continue to see plenty of “12” personnel from the Vols as well. That extra tight end can help solidify pass protection, but I predict over 100 yards combined receiving from the tight end position Saturday night. The Hogs gave up over 10 yards per completion against UAB. Neither Auburn nor Texas A&M really had the passing game to challenge this Arkansas secondary. Tennessee will do so. While Arkansas has been statistically strong against the run this season, Texas A&M was able to wear them down in the second half last week. Auburn also averaged over 5 ypc against this defense. Expect Tennessee to do the same. If the Vols can get a lead, then expect Green to start pressing. As noted earlier, Taylen Green has been feast of famine thus far this season. You will see both on Saturday night. College football creates chaos better than any sport, and Fayetteville could provide the perfect setting for some Saturday night. Tennessee is rested coming off a bye week though. The Vols will have shored up their pass protection enough. Tennessee’s defensive front against Arkansas’ offensive line is too big of a mismatch to ignore. Josh Heupel’s team keeps rolling. Vols 38, Razorbacks 24

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Arkansas

How to Watch: Mizzou Basketball Hosts Arkansas Pine-Bluff

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How to Watch: Mizzou Basketball Hosts Arkansas Pine-Bluff


The Missouri Tigers have been rolling through their non-conference schedule. After a loss on the road to Memphis to open the season, Missouri has won the first four games of a 10-game stretch at home.

Sunday, Missouri will take on Arkansas Pine-Bluff in one of its final two matches before it faces another high major opponent: California in the second annual SEC-ACC challenge on Dec. 3.

Here’s how to watch and find Sunday afternoon’s matchup for the Missouri Tigers.

Who: Missouri Tigers (4-1, 0-0 SEC) vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff Golden Lions (1-5, 0-0 SWA)

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What: Missouri’s sixth game of the 2024-’25 season

Where: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.

When: Sunday, November 24, 4:00 p.m.

TV: ESPN+, SECN+

Radio: Tiger Radio Network

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Series: Missouri leads 3-0

Last Meeting: Nov. 6, 2023: Missouri opened the season with a 101-79 win over Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Five different players scored over 15 points for Missouri, including Sean East II, Nick Honor, Noah Carter, Caleb Grill and Tamar Bates.

Last Time Out, Missouri: The Tigers handled business in a 91-56 win over Pacific. Guard Caleb Grill continued a hot streak, leading the team with 25 points, including 21 from three-point makes. Grill also notched a career-high with five steals.

Last Time Out, Arkansas Pine-Bluff:The Golden Lions fell on the road to Texas Tech, losing 98-64. Arkansas Pine-Bluff shot 52.1% from the field while Texas Tech shot 59.7%. The Golden Lions were led by guard Christian Moore with 20 points.



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Business people | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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Business people | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


Drew Waack has been appointed as mortgage adviser for United Federal Credit Union in Rogers. Waack is based at United’s Promenade branch, 2000 S. Promenade Blvd. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from John Brown University and an associate of arts and sciences degree from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

Makyla Jackson has been hired by Kutak Rock LLP as an associate in the firm’s commercial litigation practice and will be working in the firm’s Fayetteville office. Jackson earned her law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, and a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Kayla Sherrill has been hired by Kutak Rock LLP as an associate for the firm’s litigation practice and will be working in the firm’s Rogers office. Sherrill earned her law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, and a bachelor of science from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Chelsey Deel has been hired as associate professor of pathology for the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Deel earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and her medical degree at the University of Texas Heath Science Center at San Antonio.

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Alexis Gillett has been hired as associate professor of anatomy for the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Gillett received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, her doctorate of physical therapy from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and her doctor of education in educational leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Stephen Nix has been hired as assistant professor of pathology for the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Nix received his bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

Trager Hintze has been hired as assistant professor of pharmacology for the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Hintze received his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Southern Virginia University and his doctor of pharmacy from Idaho State University.

Briefs are for people in Northwest Arkansas who are new hires, were promoted, received an award from outside their organization or received a certification. Email: [email protected] Information must be received by noon Wednesday prior to the Sunday the item is to be published.

    Hintze
 
 
  photo  Nix
 
 
  photo  Waack
 
 
  photo  Gillett
 
 



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Arkansas becomes bowl eligible with win over Louisiana Tech

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Arkansas becomes bowl eligible with win over Louisiana Tech


FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas Razorbacks (6-5, 3-4 SEC) secured bowl eligibility with a 35-14 win over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4-7, 3-4 CUSA) on Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The Razorback offense struggled in the first half and only scored 14 points before the two teams went to the locker rooms at halftime. Quarterback Taylen Green threw an interception, wide receiver Andrew Armstrong fumbled and the Hogs punted three times in the first two quarters.

Outside of the fumble, Armstrong had a strong game that put him into the Arkansas record books. With his eight reception, 81-yard game, he became the fifth player in school history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. Armstrong also took sole position of second place in school history for single-season receptions with 69 on the season.

Arkansas’ offense fared somewhat better in the second half with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa — his second of the day — an eight-yard touchdown run by Green and a 13-yard score on the ground by running back Ja’Quinden Jackson. It wasn’t much, but it was all the Hogs needed to get the win.

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For the game, Arkansas gained 454 yards, 221 through the air and 233 on the ground. Running back Rashod Dubinion got the start and was the Razorbacks’ leading rusher with 112 yards on 15 carries.

Ill-timed penalties plagued the Hogs several times in the game, the biggest was a holding penalty wiped out a kickoff return for a touchdown on the opening kick. A roughing the passer call took away an interception late in the third quarter; Arkansas committed eight penalties for 78 yards throughout the game.

The Arkansas defense had another strong performance and held the Bulldogs to just 229 yards in the game, 190 through the air and 39 on the ground. They did give up two touchdowns, but it’s worth noting a muffed punt by Isaiah Sategna put Louisiana Tech in plus territory, which led to the first touchdown. The second touchdown came with just under six minutes to go, a 20-yard pass to wide receiver Jimmy Holliday on 3rd and 17.

The win will send the Razorbacks to a bowl game for the fourth time in the last five seasons, and they will turn their sights to a rivalry matchup with Missouri next Friday. Check out some of the highlights from the game below…



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