Petrino pushes Razorbacks for fundamentals against No. 12 Vols

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas enters a new chapter this week with Bobby Petrino serving as interim head coach following the firing of Sam Pittman after a 2–3 start to the season.

Ahead of the Razorbacks’ SEC road test at No. 12 Tennessee, Petrino outlined a clear directive: back to fundamentals, better alignment, and more urgency.

Petrino inherits a squad in upheaval. On his first full day in charge, he took the drastic step of dismissing defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and defensive line coach Deke Adams.

Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek confirmed that the decision followed a 56–13 drubbing at the hands of Notre Dame.

Chris Wilson, formerly an assistant on staff, will take over as interim defensive coordinator, and Petrino has brought in former NFL coach Jay Hayes to assume the defensive line role.

“We had to have a plan on what we were going to do,” Petrino said. “They (Wilson and Hayes) knew each other and they respected each other a lot. It made a lot of sense.”

Defensive reboot focuses on alignment and effort

According to Petrino, Arkansas has struggled not just because of schematic deficiencies but from breakdowns in fundamentals and effort.

“A combination of all is how we looked at it,” he admitted. “We try to just put it behind us. We need to do a better job of getting aligned quickly. Everybody getting in a good stance.”

He emphasized the need for defenders to win one-on-one technique battles up front and to maintain disciplined gap fits in run defense.

“If linebackers are out of the right spot, that’s where you get the big plays and the explosive plays,” Petrino said. “We’re working hard at shedding blocks. When you mention effort, we’re running full speed to the ball.”

“I really like what I’ve seen from coach Wilson,” Petrino said about Wilson. “Communication has been really, really good.”

He also said the defensive players have responded with serious work over the bye week, showing attention to detail and improved attitude.

Even so, observers caution that major overhaul isn’t realistic overnight.

A recent Sports Illustrated preview notes Arkansas should set modest benchmarks to reduce turnovers, limit explosive plays, punch closer to the line, and compete into the final quarter.

AllHogs similarly reports discipline, consistency and composure as central goals entering Knoxville.

Offensive consistency remains a key concern

While defensive woes have drawn most attention, Petrino acknowledges the offense must show more consistency late in games.

After posting just 13 points against Notre Dame — with the lone touchdown scored by an offensive lineman — Arkansas has struggled to maintain momentum after halftime.

“We’ve got to come out of the locker room with more energy. We’ve got to run the ball better in the third quarter,” Petrino said. “We’re still doing a good job of converting third downs, but we’ve got to do a better job of running the ball in the third quarter.”

In the wake of wide receiver Jalen Brown’s injury, Petrino indicated shifts in personnel, noting that CJ Brown could slide outside, Raylen Sharpe might move inside, and Courtney Crutchfield must continue to assert himself.

“He’s a big physical guy,” Petrino said. “He can make plays. It’s not about that. It’s about can we trust him to do the right thing on every play.”

Andy Jean, a transfer, also figures into the rotation.

Arkansas must also guard against turnovers

“Mistakes kill you against a team like Tennessee,” Petrino warned.

Tennessee challenge looms large

Tennessee opens as a heavy favorite over Arkansas, with sportsbooks favoring the Volunteers by double digits.

The game is slated for 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 11, with coverage on the SEC Network.

Last season, Arkansas stunned Tennessee in Fayetteville, capitalizing on a fourth-quarter collapse.

That result gives the Hogs some emotional fuel heading into Neyland Stadium, although Tennessee holds a historical edge and will be looking for redemption.

Tennessee’s offense, which blends spread formations with run-first threats, will test Arkansas’ revamped defense.

“The biggest challenge is, how do we defend the pass and stop the run,” Petrino said.

Incremental progress may be enough for now

Analysts caution that Arkansas’s path forward must be incremental. Sports Illustrated asserted, “don’t expect shockwaves.”

A competitive loss, staying within 10-14 points, minimizing turnovers, forcing a handful of third-down stops, holding explosive plays in check — may signal improvement even without a win.

Petrino, in his remarks, refused to dwell on past failures.

“Tear off the rearview mirror, let’s look forward, not so much what we haven’t been doing, but what we need to do,” he said. With seven games left, he’s not hiding the fact he’s auditioning for the permanent job.

Arkansas may not expect an upset, but incremental signs of life — improved alignment, disciplined tackling, fewer turnovers, sustained fourth-quarter performance — would go far toward rebuilding confidence with fans, recruits and internal staff.

Key takeaways

• Fundamentals first: Petrino is stressing alignment, stance, shedding blocks and disciplined execution rather than scheme overhauls.

• Offensive balance critical: Consistent third-quarter energy and run-game stability are priorities to complement the aerial attack.

• Competitive loss counts in progress: Arkansas aims for measurable metrics — turnovers held low, slower explosive plays, tighter margin — not just victory.