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Tennessee football at Arkansas: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 1: View of Donald W. Reynolds Stadium, home of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and John McDonnell Field before a game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Razorback Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 1: View of Donald W. Reynolds Stadium, home of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and John McDonnell Field before a game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Razorback Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Sep 26, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Treylon Burks (16) turns to run after making a reception during the third quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Treylon Burks (16) turns to run after making a reception during the third quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Third down conversions

While the past two issues were weaknesses for Tennessee football playing right into the Arkansas Razorbacks’ hands, this one is an issue for both teams. In fact, when you look at how bad they are, one third down conversion by either team could make the difference in this game, particularly if there are fewer possessions throughout the day.

Arkansas is No. 13 in the SEC on its third down conversion rate, converting on just 32.4 percent of them. Kendal Briles brilliance, Feleipe Franks’ abilities and the few weapons they have seem unable to overcome those issues. It’s been a problem all year, even against bad defenses like the Ole Miss Rebels and Texas A&M Aggies.

However, one team in the league is worse than the Hogs. That team would be the Vols. They are No. 14 in the SEC and significantly below Arkansas in their third down conversion rate, only getting a first down 26.1 percent of the time. Jarrett Guarantano’s accuracy issues on crossing routes have played a huge role in this, and they have often been on third and manageable.

Given the personnel of both teams, neither should be as bad as they are. However, if either has improved, and the Vols have had a bye week to work on this issue, they could have a major advantage in this game. Both are middle of the pack when it comes to third down defense, so how the defenses play also matters, but the question is if either will convert third downs on offense.

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