Arkansas is getting a Tennessee team that looks different in a few important ways, and Saturday in Razorback Stadium should tell a lot about where the Volunteers really stand.
The biggest change is under center. George MacIntyre is expected to make his first career start, and Tennessee may lean on its ground game to help him settle in.
That puts a spotlight on DeSean Bishop, who has become one of the SEC’s tougher backs to finish off. Caleb Sisk described Bishop as someone whose work has stood out from the start.
"DeSean Bishop's work ethic has been one of the hardest workers in the room since he arrived. He was previously a walk-on, and he later earned his reps through his constant growth on and off the field."
Sisk also expects Bishop to look even more dangerous now that he has built himself into a bigger part of the offense.
"I believe Bishop will only get better, and for him to enter this game with a career-high in many categories, I think Arkansas will see a next level of Bishop. In terms of bringing him down, Coach Derek Owings is to be credited for working with him in the weight room this offseason."
MacIntyre is the other major piece to watch. Tennessee believes in his arm, and Arkansas will have to be ready for him to challenge downfield.
"When it comes to George MacIntyre, Arkansas needs to prepare from an elite arm when throwing the ball down field. He has a big arm, and can generate some serious power."
Sisk said the Vols may not open everything up right away, but MacIntyre has the kind of tools that can flip a game quickly if Tennessee lets him attack vertically.
"It remains unknown if the Vols will trust him in the vertical game, but if they do he can change the game in an instant. In terms of his work in the pocket, he isn't Faizon Brandon in terms of being able to escape, but he can absolutely save himself from big pass rushes."
The quarterback situation has been calm inside the program, even with the move to a new starter. Sisk said the competition was tight in the preseason and that many around Tennessee believed MacIntyre was the favorite entering the fall. He also pointed to Heupel’s belief that both quarterbacks will matter.
"The feeling around the program have been quite calm, even though they are starting a new quarterback. This battle was close throughout the preseason, and many believed that MacIntyre was the leader entering the fall."
"I truly believe that the program trusts in both guys, and Heupel is far from false when he states that the Vols will need both quarterbacks."
There is also a defensive side to Tennessee that has changed the conversation around the program. First-year coordinator Jim Knowles has reshaped that unit, and Sisk said the defense now gives the Vols a real path back into the College Football Playoff picture.
"Jim Knowles has been a breath of fresh air. He has changed the Tennessee defense entirely. Tim Banks didn't have much success on defense last season, and while many fans believed that not much would change, Knowles rare and unorthodox style showed fans that the Vols defense should be good moving forward."
That side of the ball has helped keep Tennessee in games even while the offense sorts itself out. Sisk pointed to the close game against Texas as part of the reason his view of the Vols changed.
"Originally I believed this team would be around the 8-4 or 9-3 range. After playing Texas and keeping it extremely close, when the Vols were on their worst day offensively, it made me open my eyes to know that the program could very well make the playoffs."
He still sees a team that can get there, even if the offense has not fully clicked yet.
"I believe it would be a shock to many outside of the program, but anyone who has kept up with this program know that the Tennessee defense has looked great all season, and that they can keep the Vols in any game."
"With that being said, it is far from impossible for Tennessee to make the playoffs, but like many great coaches say, this weekend is a chance for the Vols to go 1-0."
Arkansas will also need to know about Dejuan Lane, who has become a versatile piece in the secondary and is the only Tennessee player with multiple interceptions. He is coming off a national honor weekend, and Sisk said his game against Auburn showed how much he can do.
"The player on the defensive side of the ball that Arkansas needs to know about is Dejuan Lane. He is the only player on Tennessee's roster with multiple interceptions, and he is fresh off of a national honor weekend."
"He finished the game against Auburn with an interceptions, nine tackles, and two sacks. For a safety that shows a ton of versatility, and shows that he is becoming a true weapon in the Knowles defense."
Lane’s background also matters to Tennessee’s scheme.
"It is also important to note that he is someone that was brought over from Penn State, so his experience has been key in the defensive scheme."
On offense, Sisk likes Braylon Staley as a possible breakout name. The slot receiver could be a natural target for a first-time starter.
"As for offense, one player that I think is destined to have a breakthrough in this game is Braylon Staley."
"Staley was one of the better receivers for the Vols last season, and is someone that can change a game in an instant."
"He plays in the slot, which is something that makes me interested in his upcoming game against Arkansas. With MacIntyre getting his first start I believe that he may look at the slot some early. If that's the case you may be looking at the best Staley game this season thus far."
Tennessee’s protection will matter too. Sisk said the line started slowly last week before settling in, and he expects Arkansas to bring pressure.
"In terms of protection, last week the Vols started slow but found their rhythm later in the contest. They will be key in how this game plays out, but it seems reasonable that the Razorbacks will bring pressure."
As for how it all plays out, Sisk thinks Tennessee’s offense will take a little while to find its footing, then straighten things out by the second quarter. He sees the Vols leaving Fayetteville with a close win.
"I believe the Tennessee offense will have some growing pains, but ultimately by the second quarter they figure it out. I believe that the Vols walk away with a 28-24 victory. This would continue the trend of getting a win, but the win not looking pretty on paper."
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