FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Tennessee’s first SEC road win of the season was anything but comfortable.
The Vols surrendered a halftime lead, fell behind by seven in the third quarter, and turned the ball over three times. But behind explosive plays from DeSean Bishop, Mike Matthews, and DaSaahn Brame, Tennessee rallied for a 24-17 win over Arkansas on Saturday.
The victory marked Tennessee’s second SEC win of the season and its first in Fayetteville since 2001.
Here are three takeaways from the Vols’ win.
1. George MacIntyre showed growth, but growing pains remain
George MacIntyre’s first SEC road start featured some of the quarterback traits Tennessee needed to see, along with mistakes that nearly cost the Vols.
MacIntyre showed improved pocket awareness, anticipation, and a willingness to deliver throws under pressure.
On third-and-11 late in the first half, he anticipated Mike Matthews finding an opening between two high safeties and delivered a 19-yard completion.
He also kept his eyes downfield while avoiding pressure on a third-and-seven play in the third quarter, finding Braylon Staley for 22 yards.
But Tennessee struggled to turn those opportunities into points.
The Vols left 10 potential points on the field in the first half, including a missed 51-yard field goal and a botched exchange between MacIntyre and Bishop at Arkansas 19-yard line.
Quincey Rhodes Jr. returned the fumble 61 yards, but Arkansas’ Max Gilbert missed the ensuing field goal.
MacIntyre later threw two interceptions, including one on an overthrown deep ball intended for Staley.
Still, the freshman helped Tennessee reclaim the lead in the fourth quarter, connecting with Brame for a 68-yard gain that set up a one-yard rushing touchdown.
The performance wasn’t flawless, but MacIntyre showed the ability to operate Tennessee’s offense while learning through mistakes. In his first career start he finished 18-29 for 247 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
2. Xavier Gilliam anchored a defense that had to respond
Tennessee’s defense controlled much of the first half, holding Arkansas to minus-four rushing yards before halftime.
Xavier Gilliam was at the center of that effort.
The defensive lineman consistently disrupted Arkansas’ offensive front, using his quick first step to beat blockers and pressure quarterback KJ Jackson.
Gilliam also recovered a fumble and deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage. He finished with one sack, 1.5 TFLs, two QB hurries, one pass defended, and a forced fumble.
But Arkansas found success on the ground after halftime.
The Razorbacks opened the third quarter with a five-play, 70-yard touchdown drive, matching Tennessee’s first-half scoring output.
Arkansas followed with another touchdown possession to take a 14-7 lead.
The Razorbacks’ sudden rushing success challenged a Tennessee defense that had previously controlled the line of scrimmage.
But the Vols responded when it mattered.
Tyree Weathersby recorded a fourth-quarter sack after Gilliam disrupted the interior protection. Qua Moss followed with a tackle behind the line of scrimmage to force a long field goal attempt.
And after Tennessee reclaimed the lead late, the defense forced Arkansas into a punt without allowing another first down.
3. DeSean Bishop delivered when Tennessee needed him most
Tennessee’s offense had opportunities to take control throughout the afternoon but repeatedly failed to capitalize.
Missed throws, penalties, and turnovers kept Arkansas in the game.
Even after Brame’s touchdown gave Tennessee a 17-14 lead, the Razorbacks answered with a 49-yard field goal to tie the game.
With 4:08 remaining, Tennessee took possession at its own 6-yard line.
The Vols needed a sustained drive. Bishop delivered something bigger.
Running behind a six-man offensive line, Bishop broke through the middle, shed would-be tacklers, and raced 59 yards to flip the field.
The run helped Bishop secure his second consecutive 100-yard rushing performance. He finished with 138 yards on 19 carries
Tennessee continued leaning on its rushing attack, with Bishop eventually scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 1:57 remaining.
The five-play, 94-yard drive took just 2:11.
It was the kind of response Tennessee had struggled to produce earlier in the game.
After relying on MacIntyre and the passing game to generate explosive plays, the Vols turned to their offensive line and running back to finish the job.
And this time, Tennessee didn’t let the opportunity slip away.
The Volunteers are 2-1 in conference action and find its first win at Arkansas in over two decades.
