Arkansas has one of the nation’s most productive receivers, a quarterback capable of extending plays, and a secondary that has shown promise.
But those strengths haven’t been enough to keep the Razorbacks from a 2-3 start.
Now Arkansas welcomes No. 15 Tennessee to Fayetteville, where the Vols haven’t won since 2001.
To extend that streak, the Razorbacks will have to overcome some of the same issues that have plagued them through five games.
Jackson Fuller, who covers Arkansas for the Southwest Times Record and USA TODAY Network, joined Live Ball to break down what the Razorbacks must do to challenge Tennessee on Saturday.
1. Arkansas has to establish its run game to protect KJ Jackson
Arkansas has a legitimate playmaker in Chris Marshall.
The wide receiver ranks seventh nationally with 549 receiving yards and has become quarterback KJ Jackson’s most reliable target.
“Chris can really do a little bit of everything,” Fuller said. “He’s exactly what you want in a number one receiver in today’s game.”
Marshall can win one-on-one matchups, operate from the slot or outside, and create yards after the catch.
But Arkansas hasn’t consistently found production from its other receivers.
Fuller pointed to Memphis transfer Jamari Hawkins as a player who could provide another explosive option. Tight ends Tay Lockwood and Jaden Platt have also become reliable targets in the shorter passing game.
Still, the Razorbacks need more than Marshall to challenge Tennessee’s defense.
However, Arkansas has struggled to establish its rushing attack. Which has put additional pressure on Jackson and an offensive line that has allowed 10 sacks.
Jackson has also shown the ability to extend plays with his legs, although Arkansas hasn’t consistently incorporated designed quarterback runs into its offense.
“The quarterback draw game has been pretty successful when they’ve done it,” Fuller said.
But against Tennessee’s defensive front, Arkansas may need to make Jackson’s mobility a bigger part of its game plan.
“I don’t think there’s any world where Arkansas pulls off this upset if they don’t have a good game on the ground,” Fuller said.
2. Arkansas has to contain DeSean Bishop
Arkansas has shown it can hold its own against runs up the middle.
But stopping opposing running backs once they reach the perimeter has been a different challenge.
That’s a concern against Tennessee’s DeSean Bishop, who rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns against Auburn.
The Razorbacks have allowed 15 rushing touchdowns through five games, and Fuller identified their inability to maintain outside contain as a recurring problem.
“They’ve done an okay job defending runs right up the middle, like into the interior, right at the defensive tackles,” Fuller said. “But if a running back busted to the outside, the defensive line, the edge has lost contain.”
Arkansas has capable defensive tackles in Hunter Osborne and David Oke. But Fuller believes Tennessee’s use of two-tight end formations could make defending the perimeter even more difficult.
“You put those two tight ends out on the edge, you get an extra body out there,” Fuller said. “I think that’s a nervous situation for Arkansas, to say the least.”
3. Arkansas has to make George MacIntyre uncomfortable in his first start
Arkansas hasn’t consistently stopped the run, but Fuller believes its secondary has been one of the more encouraging parts of the defense.
The Razorbacks are allowing approximately 194 passing yards per game.
They’ve recorded just one interception, but Fuller believes their pass defense could help keep Tennessee from taking control of Saturday’s matchup.
That becomes particularly important with George MacIntyre expected to make his first career start.
MacIntyre completed eight of 10 passes after replacing Faizon Brandon against Auburn.
Fuller believes Arkansas may benefit from facing a more traditional pocket passer, than a dual-threat like Brandon.
“I do think with Faizon Brandon out, that is going to be a relief for Arkansas because he is, of course, the more athletic of the two quarterbacks,” Fuller said.
But MacIntyre presents a different challenge.
His willingness to operate from the pocket could give Tennessee opportunities to attack downfield, particularly if the Vols establish their rushing attack.
“If MacIntyre can get that play-action game going, that presents a whole different challenge for Arkansas,” Fuller said.
And with Tennessee favored entering Saturday, Arkansas needs those opportunities to keep the game competitive.
“If George MacIntyre plays okay, it’s going to be very, very difficult for Arkansas to win this game,” Fuller said.
For the Razorbacks, the path to an upset starts with establishing their own rushing attack, containing Tennessee’s, and making a freshman quarterback earn his first road victory.
