No. 15 Tennessee football (4-1) is set to go in Fayetteville against the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-3). In Tennessee’s first Southeastern Conference road game, sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre is reported as the starter. Against a defense that hasn’t stopped much of anyone this season, sound Tennessee football that relies on its strengths should be enough to leave Northwest Arkansas 5-1.
Lean on the run game
That is where my quick keys for the game begin. Tennessee is a different team with 12 personnel, and DeSean Bishop gave a smashmouth football performance last week against Auburn with 220 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries. With a strong blocking day across the front, tight ends and wide receivers included, Tennessee should be able to run for 200-plus against this Razorback defense. The Vols need to run effectively outside of 12 too. Tennessee has to find a way to get a solid pass game and that would help.
Open up the pass game
That lets MacIntyre capitalize on the respect the run commands. Tennessee needs to see an effective day through the air. If MacIntyre is the guy next week when Alabama comes to Neyland, you’d like to see more of what he can do through the air. He was better than efficient last week with 8-of-10 passing for 86 yards, but that included a slant to Mike Matthews that went for 42 yards and a lot of safe routes. I’d like to see him push it intermediate and deeper.
Keep the defense rolling
I have nothing much to say on the defensive side. They just have to keep doing what they’ve done: penetrate, wreak havoc and give Arkansas no room for comfort. KJ Jackson can move. Stay locked in and shut off his lanes. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner talked about playing smarter, and today is the day to start that.
Everyone knows Chris Marshall is Jackson’s guy at receiver. Don’t let them have a day and everything will be fine. Tennessee’s defense up front with Xavier Gilliam, Mariyon Dye, Tyree Weathersby and others should eat and set the table for the linebackers and defensive backs. It all starts up front.
Special teams
Special teams should only be a plus. Jackson Ross and the punt team did a great job last week. Joel Wyatt is making a name for himself as a gunner. Hopefully Tennessee won’t need the punt unit much, but if it does, there’s a great outing to build off of. Cooper Ranvier is 5 of 5 this season with a long of 43. His only multiple field goal game this season was a 2-for-2 day against Kennesaw State. With an SEC game on the road, I could see him getting an opportunity or two.
Prediction
I said earlier in the week that Tennessee would win by at least two touchdowns. With the Vols playing how they are capable, I can see a 17-point win, 34-17.
How to watch
Kickoff is at 4:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. CT on SEC Network. Matt Schumacker will have the play-by-play with Aaron Murray as the analyst. Taylor Davis will report from the sideline.
