KNOXVILLE, TN – In a highly anticipated SEC clash, the No. 12 Tennessee Volunteers emerged victorious over the Arkansas Razorbacks, securing a 34-31 win at Neyland Stadium. The matchup marked a pivotal moment for both teams, especially for Arkansas, who saw Bobby Petrino take the reins as interim head coach following the dismissal of Sam Pittman after a disheartening 56-13 loss to Notre Dame.

Tennessee entered the game eager for redemption after suffering a disappointing upset to Arkansas just a year prior. The Volunteers’ victory not only boosts their record to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the SEC but also snaps a four-game losing streak against the Razorbacks, marking their first win in this rivalry since 2011.

The game was a fierce contest, as Arkansas showcased an aggressive ground game early on. However, the Volunteers rallied in the second half, thanks to a commanding defensive effort that shifted the momentum in their favor.

DeSean Bishop was the standout performer for Tennessee, rushing for a career-high 146 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game with a lower-body injury. His performance was complemented by Peyton Lewis, who stepped up in Bishop’s absence, scoring two crucial touchdowns. Quarterback Joey Aguilar contributed 221 passing yards and a touchdown, demonstrating the Volunteers’ offensive strength.

Arkansas, under Petrino’s leadership, displayed resilience, racking up 496 total yards—their best performance since Week 1. Despite this offensive output, the Razorbacks struggled with turnovers, losing three fumbles and allowing quarterback Taylen Green to be sacked five times. Mike Washington provided a bright spot with 131 rushing yards and a touchdown, but the team’s efforts fell short.

The game was tied 17-17 at halftime, but Tennessee surged ahead with 17 unanswered points in the second half. Arkansas made a late push, narrowing the margin to just three points, but it ultimately proved too late to reclaim the lead.

As Arkansas grapples with the aftermath of the coaching change, they are searching for stability and effectiveness in an unforgiving SEC landscape. While there remains hope for the Razorbacks to turn their season around, improvements on defense are crucial.

For Tennessee, the focus shifts to upcoming games against formidable opponents such as Alabama, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. Their run defense must improve, and players like Bishop, Lewis, and Star Thomas need to remain consistent threats on the ground. Despite leading the SEC in sacks, Tennessee’s defense was hampered by penalties—10 for 78 yards—prompting Coach Josh Heupel to label the situation as “unacceptable.”

With playoff aspirations still alive, the Volunteers must address their closing issues before facing Alabama in their next matchup.