All for Tennessee
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 7: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Arkansas Razorbacks is sacked in the second half by Kivon Bennett #95 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Razorback Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 24-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 7: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Arkansas Razorbacks is sacked in the second half by Kivon Bennett #95 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Razorback Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 24-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

5. Pass rush emergence a bit too late

While Tennessee football’s pass defense was horrendous in the third quarter, things changed a bit in the fourth quarter. The difference? Rocky Top finally found the pass rush that hadn’t existed since its season-opening win over the South Carolina Gamecocks. This is somewhat of a positive, but it’s an indictment against the unit for not showing up before then.

Down 24-13, UT spotted the Arkansas Razorbacks the ball at their own 27-yard line, and the Hogs got to the 37. Finally, Kivon Bennett got something going, as he sacked Feleipe Franks for a six-yard loss. Two plays later, on 3rd and 16, Ja’Quain Blakely sacked Franks for an eight-yard loss, forcing the first scoreless drive for Arkansas in the second half.

Although UT had to punt again, they then pinned Arkansas inside the 20, and Bennett got his second sack of the game for a four-yard loss. That led to a 3rd and 10, and on a perfectly dialed up blitz package that sent Bryce Thompson, Deandre Johnson sacked Franks and forced a fumble. UT almost recovered, and that would have changed the game, but they couldn’t fall on the ball.

This was all in the fourth quarter, and it may not mean much, but the Vols could use more of this throughout their games. If they keep bringing the pressure, they’re bound to force more fumbles, and recover a few of them, in the future. If there’s a silver lining on offense or defense, this is that silver lining.

Home/Vols Football