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Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vols’ 24-13 loss to Arkansas Razorbacks

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 7, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Jarrett Guarantano (2) runs the ball as Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Zach Williams (56) defends in the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Jarrett Guarantano (2) runs the ball as Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Zach Williams (56) defends in the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers kicker Brent Cimaglia (42) kicks an extra point in the second wearer against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers kicker Brent Cimaglia (42) kicks an extra point in the second wearer against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kicking game had its best performance all season

Ok, how about some positivity? Tennessee football showed a promising resurgence of its kicking game ahead of the bye week with how it played against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Well, against the Arkansas Razorbacks, it got even better.

After his rough start to the year, which included missing two of three field goals the first two games, Brent Cimaglia has found his groove. In this game, he drilled a 50-yard kick to put the Vols up 3-0, and he then drilled a 48-yard attempt to put them up 13-0. He still hasn’t missed an extra point in his entire career, and he has now made his last three attempts after that start.

Paxton Brooks, meanwhile, had a horrendous performance against the Kentucky Wildcats. He was solid in this game, though. Sure, there were two punts inside 40 yards and one right at 40 yards. However, he averaged 45.7 yards per punt on six punts thanks to three that went beyond 50 yards, two of which landed right at the 20 and another that pinned the Hogs inside the 20.

Given the hype behind Brooks and Cimaglia, it was about time for these two to show up. Multiple 50-plus yard punts and two made field goals from beyond 45 yards is a great way to show that. If Brooks can get a bit more consistent, this unit will then be flawless, and if this team is ever in contention in a meaningful game the rest of the way this season, that could be important.

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