JUST IN: Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman Sends Strong Message to Volunteers Ahead of Weekend Match

This season, Tennessee hasn’t wasted time leaping on opponents.

The No. 4 Volunteers (4-0, 1-0 SEC) hold a 78-3 lead in the first quarter.

Oklahoma scored a field goal in the first quarter in a 25-15 loss to Tennessee on September 21 in Norman, Oklahoma.

In the first half, the Vols outscored their opponents 149-6. They led 19-3 at halftime in Oklahoma.

Arkansas (3-2, 1-1) will look to improve its record when it faces Tennessee on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

“The thing about them is, if they get going on you right now. “They are difficult to stop,” Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman remarked. “They’re hard to stop because they move so quickly.

“You cannot substitute since your corrections are performed on the sidelines.

“Obviously, starting like that shows they’re well-prepared on both sides of the ball. We need to match that to have success on Saturday, which we intend to do.”

Tennessee Coach Josh Heupel, who has a 31-12 record in his fourth season, is known for his explosive offences.

That’s the case again, with the Vols averaging 54 points per game to lead the nation and 565.8 yards to rank third in total offence, but their defence has also been strong.

Tennessee, which had an open date last week, leads the nation in total defence, limiting opponents to an average of 176 yards per game. The Vols are second in scoring defence (7.0 points per game) behind Ohio State (6.8).

“The standard at Tennessee is to be elite on defence,” Heupel stated after the Vols defeated then-No. 24 North Carolina State 51-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 7. “This is the home of Reggie White, Al Wilson, Eric Berry.”

That three is among the best defensive players in Tennessee history.

This season, 22 Vols have combined for 31 tackles totalling 106 yards in losses. Tyre West, a junior defensive end, leads the team with 3.5 tackles for loss, followed by sophomore linebacker Arion Carter, junior end Joshua Josephs, and junior tackle Jaxson Moi, all of whom have 2.5.

The Vols have allowed 28 points in four games, the fewest since 1966, when they held opponents to 20 under then-coach Doug Dickey, a former Arkansas assistant.

“I think defensively they’re very, very stout up front,” Pittman told reporters.

Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava has completed 61 of 88 passes for 892 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has 25 rushing attempts for 117 yards and one touchdown.

Coach Josh Heupel commended quarterback Nico Iamaleava for his strong command and adaptability during games. Heupel highlighted Iamaleava’s ability to maintain composure in challenging away environments. The team’s offensive strength includes key senior receivers Bru McCoy and Dont’e Thornton, alongside a solid offensive line led by center Cooper Mays. Running back Dylan Sampson has emerged as a standout player, showcasing his competitive nature and experience. Tennessee’s recent road performances underscore their strength and maturity as a team.