RazOrbaX Hot Points, Prediction vs. Tennessee

RazOrbaX Hot Points, Prediction vs. Tennessee

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Early in Arkansas' SEC life, it sure looked as if the big orange of Tennessee was going to replace the burnt orange of Texas for Razorback Nation. Nationally ranked and full of NFL-type players, Tennessee was on quite a roll in the 1990's and early in the new century. Then the SEC changed the scheduling format, and Tennessee became a rotating opponent instead of a permanent foe for Arkansas. Enter Bobby Petrino, and in four short years, Arkansas is in the Top 10, and the Volunteers are struggling with their third coach in four years.

 

 RB Ronnie Wingo
OFFENSE
SCORE 30!
The Tennessee defense is only giving up 21 points a game but Florida, Alabama and LSU scored more than 30 on the Volunteers. In Arkansas' past meetings with Tennessee, the goal was 28 or more. Arkansas averages 37.7 points a game this fall and scored less than 30 only twice. Hit the average and everyone goes home happy.

SHARP IN THE PASSING GAME 2! The Volunteers rank 17th in the country in pass defense and fifth in the SEC. Like South Carolina, that lofty ranking will be severely tested by the SEC's best passing offense. Like South Carolina, Tennessee's ranking comes against NCAA (SEC) teams ranked 39, 68, 92, 98 and 102 in passing.

DO NOT HELP THEM! Tennessee has intercepted just five passes and recovered six fumbles this year. Arkansas does not need to give the Volunteers any encouragement that they can win this game. Take care of the ball and give the orange no hope.

DEFENSE
CONTROL THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE!
The Volunteers just cannot run the ball. At 87 yards per game, only two teams are worse. The Razorback defensive line played very well last week, and except for QB keepers, contained the Carolina running game. More of the same is needed this week.

COVER, COVER, COVER! The best thing Tennessee does is throw the ball. Unfortunately for the Vols, they have lost their starting QB and their best receiver to injuries. Everyone in the secondary just needs to do his job and not let any Volunteer get behind him.

PLAY FAST, NOT WRECKLESS! The Hogs looked as fresh as they have all year last week. They need to continue that trend Saturday and through the rest of the season. Do not overrun plays, miss cutback lanes, and be mindful of every trick play in the book. If the Razorbacks play fast and sharp, Tennessee will have to be wreckless.

KICKING GAME
CONTINUE THE EXCELLENCE!
Tennessee is good at kick coverage, so this will be a test for the HOGS. Hopefully Dylan Breeding will have the same kind of game he had last week, and Zack Hocker will have a better one. Marquel Wade makes his return this week and will want to make up for lost time.

PREDICTIONS
This game scared me in the spring. Tennessee's injuries have changed my mind. However, this game is the exact opposite of the 1992 Arkansas upset of No. 4 Tennessee. The HOGS were 1-4 and not very sharp on offense. Arkansas finds a running game in the first half, weathers a Tennessee storm in the third quarter and rallies in the fourth. What's different is this is the last game in Fayetteville for Arkansas' seniors, and they still have things they want to accomplish. Razorbacks 41, Volunteers 17

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