Tennessee heads to Fayetteville for its second road game of the season, and the expectation around this one is pretty clear: the Volunteers are supposed to handle Arkansas.
With that matchup coming up, members of the staff weighed in with their bold calls for Saturday. A common thread ran through the predictions - Tennessee’s rushing attack is expected to force Arkansas into loading up near the line, which could open the door for George MacIntyre to attack downfield.
“The Vols are coming off a dominant rushing performance, and this is what has helped the Vols secure four of their victories along the way. With this being mixed with a new QB coming in, I expect the Razorbacks to sell hard on the rushing attack, which will ultimately land plenty of opportunity for MacIntyre to work both the short and the deep game. I believe that you will see the Vols take some deep shots in this one, and I think MacIntyre dominates, as the Razorbacks prep for a heavy dose of rushing,” Sisk said.
MacIntyre showed up in multiple predictions as a player who could have a big afternoon. One staffer sees him throwing for over 250 yards, while also expecting Mike Matthews to be involved early and often.
“My bold prediction is that George MacIntyre throws for over 250 yards and Mike Matthews gets 5 or more receptions against Arkansas. The Razorbacks will be hard-pressed to slow down the Volunteers' impressive run game, leading them to load the box and create one-on-one matchups in the secondary.
MacIntyre showed a willingness to push the ball downfield and showed great trust in receiver Mike Matthews, whom he hit for a 42-yard completion last week. I believe the combination of one-on-one matchups caused by Arkansas’s respect for Tennessee’s run game and the trust MacIntyre has already shown in Matthews led me to believe they will both find success this Saturday," Elrod said.
The defense drew its share of attention too. One prediction had Tennessee not only forcing mistakes, but turning one of them into points.
“The Tennessee defense scores a touchdown on top of forcing 5 turnovers in the game,” Dowden said.
The matchup up front is another reason the Vols are drawing confidence. Arkansas’ offensive issues, especially in pass protection, were singled out as a major problem against a Tennessee defensive line that has been one of the best in the nation.
“The Arkansas offense has left a lot to be desired, especially in protecting their quarterback. The Vols' defensive line has been one of the best in the nation. The matchup is a dream for Tennessee, and I think that powers them to a big win,” Passons said.
There was also plenty of belief that the ground game will set the tone from the start. One prediction had George MacIntyre throwing for two touchdowns, backed by strong work from the offensive line.
“George MacIntyre will throw for two touchdowns. The run game will set the tone and provide enough support. Along with a strong performance by the offensive line,” Berry said.
Another bold call leaned heavily into Tennessee’s rushing attack, with DeSean Bishop projected for a huge day and MacIntyre again expected to produce in his first career start.
“DeSean Bishop rushes for 150+ yards and two touchdowns, while George MacIntyre throws for 200+ yards and two touchdowns in his first career start,” Greer said.
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For Tennessee, the fresh Adidas partnership sits near the top of the market, a sign of how aggressively brands are chasing premier football powers and the attention that comes with them. Penn State has also landed a major new deal this season, putting both schools at the center of one of the busiest stretches for apparel movement in recent memory. With contract expiration dates and annual payouts now tracked almost like recruiting rankings, the Volunteers remain one of the most important teams to watch as the next wave of school-and-brand decisions starts to sort itself out. [Read more 🡒]