After a hot 4-0 start, the number four ranked Tennessee Vols went into their off week needing to get healthy at some key positions and gear up for a tough road trip to Arkansas. There’s a lot at stake for the Vols as they attempt to keep up their defensive dominance and continue a potential run to the College Football Playoff. So far, Tennessee has been one of the most dominant teams in the country on both sides of the ball.
They rank number one in total defense, giving up 176.0 yards per game and only allowing 7.0 points per game, which is tied for second in the country. The Vols are also second in the country in rushing yards per game allowed at 50.8 and fourth in passing yards allowed with 125.3 per game. Offensively, Tennessee ranks third in total offense with 565.8 yards and they lead the country with 54.0 points per game. The running game has been on point with 290.0 yards per game, which ranks fourth in the country. Running back Dylan Sampson is second in the country with 10 rushing touchdowns.
Tennessee Vols Keys to Victory
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Every game always has the same core keys to victory. General Neyland called them ‘Game Maxims’ and the Tennessee Vols players recite all seven before every game. With that being said, each individual game has its own set of keys to victory for either team.
Shut Down Arkansas’ Running Attack
Arkansas ranks 21st in the country with 212.0 rushing yards per game and running back Ja’Quinden Jackson leads the SEC with 509 yards on the ground. Quarterback Taylen Green is a big threat to take off also, as he is seventh in the conference with 331 yards rushing.
So far this season, the Tennessee defense has been great at stuffing the run. Only allowing 50.8 yards per game…second in the country behind Ole Miss…the Vols defensive line is possibly the best in the country. They’ll need to continue to show dominance on Saturday in order to keep the Razorbacks from making this a game.
Line Dominance
As mentioned above, the Tennessee Vols defensive line is possibly the best in the country. Rotating up to 13 guys in and out of the game keeps them fresh and allows them to have high motors. With that being said, containing Taylen Green on the edges with James Pearce Jr., Tyre West, Dominic Bailey, Joshua Josephs, and Jayson Jenkins will be important for the Vols success on Saturday night. With interior stuffers like Omari Thomas, Bryson Eason, and Omarr Norman-Lott, the Razorbacks should struggle to run between the tackles.
On the offensive line, Lance Heard will be back at Left Tackle after missing the two previous games due to injury. The LSU transfer has been really good in the run game and will need to shake off any rust he may have early. Right Tackle John Campbell Jr. exited the game against Oklahoma, but was not listed on this week’s injury report. With both tackles available, Tennessee will need to be able to neutralize the Arkansas pass rush. The Razorbacks are led up front by potential first round pick Landon Jackson, who has two sacks on the season. At 6’7” and 280 pounds, he is a load to handle.
Stars Continue to Shine
Running Back Dylan Sampson has been next level good for the Vols this season. He leads the conference with 10 touchdowns and 112.25 rushing yards per game. Backup Running Back Desean Bishop has been almost as good with his carries, averaging 7.6 yards per tote. The way Tennessee leans on the run game to set up their offense, they need continued excellent play from their backfield.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been everything he was expected to be thus far. He is completing over 69% of his throws and has a TD-Int ratio of 7-2. Keep in mind, he has had three games where he didn’t play the entire time because of the score. His connection with Wide Receiver Bru McCoy has been solid and he has been able to hit the deep ball to Dont’e Thornton with relative ease.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee shouldn’t have much of an issue on a nice Saturday night in Fayetteville if they continue to play the way they have been. Even though no road game in the SEC should be considered a lock, the Vols are by far the better team. Outside of injury, The Vols should dominate this game on both sides of the ball.
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