Arkansas defense shifts focus to stop Tennessee run game in SEC test

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Bobby Petrino has made his message clear this week as Arkansas prepares for its first road test under his renewed leadership.

It’s not exactly a new one or breaking new ground.

The Razorbacks must contain Tennessee’s ground game before they can worry about anything else.

“Stopping the run is the first step in slowing down Tennessee’s high-powered offense,” Petrino said. “Their running back DeSean Bishop is physical. You have to play gap sound, get off blocks, tackle well.”

The Razorbacks, 2-3 overall and 0-1 in SEC play, enter the matchup trying to stabilize a defense that has given up over 160 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, No. 12 Tennessee sits at 4-1 with an attack that thrives on early-down efficiency and tempo.

For Petrino, who is back in charge at Arkansas for the first time since 2011, the goal is both tactical and symbolic. A solid defensive showing in Knoxville would signal discipline and buy-in after a chaotic month that included multiple staff changes.

Tennessee’s offense under Josh Heupel features a steady mix of power running and play-action looks. The Volunteers average over 425 total yards per game, and their running backs account for nearly half of that production.

Hogs defense looks to correct third-down struggles

Arkansas’ defense has struggled to sustain stops. Opponents are converting nearly 47% of third-down chances, and red-zone lapses have repeatedly cost the Razorbacks field position and momentum.

The defense has allowed points on nearly nine out of every ten trips inside the 20-yard line.

Chris Wilson, elevated to interim defensive coordinator after the recent staff shakeup, has simplified terminology and narrowed focus on fundamentals.

“We have to stop the run and force long third downs,” Petrino said earlier this week. “We’ve been in too many manageable situations for the opponent.”

The change in leadership has meant more individual accountability. Several veterans, including linebacker Jaheim Thomas and safety Alfahiym Walcott, have emphasized communication and tackling angles in practice.

Tennessee’s ground game provides an immediate challenge. Bishop, a sophomore from Knoxville, runs with strength and quick acceleration. His 5.7 yards per carry pace ranks among the SEC’s best through five games.

Heupel praises Green’s mobility as Tennessee prepares

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green’s mobility will require discipline from his defensive front.

“You have to bottle him up,” Heupel said during his Tuesday press conference. “He’s dynamic and can hurt you with his legs. Our gap integrity is going to be important.”

Green has accounted for over 1,700 total yards and 14 touchdowns, providing a spark since Petrino’s elevation.

His ability to extend plays gives Arkansas a chance to offset defensive lapses with explosive drives.

Tennessee’s defense has been strong against the run, allowing just 112 yards per game.

Their front, anchored by Omari Thomas and James Pearce Jr., specializes in collapsing the interior and forcing quarterbacks to the edge.

Arkansas’ offensive line has been inconsistent, allowing 13 sacks so far. If the Razorbacks cannot sustain balance, Green’s scrambling may be their only outlet to move the chains.

Tackling and communication remain top priorities

Petrino said this week’s practices have centered on pursuit angles and tackling consistency.

“We’ve had too many missed fits,” he said. “We have to do a better job of being in the right place and trusting the call.”

Tennessee’s offensive structure thrives on exploiting hesitation.

The Volunteers use tempo to stress communication, forcing defenders to reset quickly between snaps. That tempo, combined with motion and misdirection, has worn down opponents late in games.

Arkansas plans to rotate more players along the defensive front to stay fresh.

Freshman Quincy Rhodes Jr. and veteran defensive tackle Eric Gregory are among those expected to see extended snaps.

The Razorbacks will also experiment with more 4-2-5 looks to counter Tennessee’s spread sets.

Petrino said that approach helps match speed with speed without overloading the box.

Volunteers aim to stay balanced on offense

While the focus has been on Tennessee’s run game, quarterback Joey Aguilar has delivered consistency through the air.

Aguilar has thrown for over 1,400 yards with 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

His chemistry with receivers Bru McCoy and Dont’e Thornton has added variety to the Volunteers’ attack.

The Razorbacks have intercepted just three passes this season, but Petrino believes that will change if the defense can dictate down and distance.

“You can’t get turnovers if you’re on your heels,” he said.

Both programs are coming off bye weeks, giving extra time for adjustments and recovery.

Stakes rise as Arkansas enters SEC stretch

The Razorbacks face eight consecutive SEC games to close the season, starting with Saturday’s matchup in Knoxville.

For Petrino, it represents both a measuring stick and the start to his audition for the full-time role.

Tennessee looks to stay within striking distance of the SEC East lead. With Georgia looming later this month, Heupel’s group knows a stumble here could derail their playoff hopes.

For Arkansas, the goal is simpler. Petrino wants establish toughness, limit mistakes, and prove progress under interim leadership.

“We have to play with pride,” Petrino said. “This is a chance to show who we are.”

Key takeaways

• Arkansas’ defense must tighten third-down efficiency and gap control to contain Tennessee’s rushing game.
• Taylen Green’s mobility remains the Razorbacks’ best offensive counter to Tennessee’s disciplined defense.
• Both teams emerge from byes with renewed focus, but Arkansas faces the steeper challenge defensively.