FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — No. 4 Tennessee couldn't recover from a slow start, losing to Arkansas, 14-19
Arkansas managed to get on the board first. Razorback quarterback Taylen Green was marching with his offense, but the nine-minute opening drive only resulted in a field goal.
The Vols struggled to find offensive success throughout. Tennessee was shut out in the first half for the first time this season and in the Josh Heupel era. The last time the Vols didn't score in the first half was back in 2019 when they lost to Florida.
Arkansas started to show intensity on the offensive end. With 12:15 left in the half, the Razorbacks picked up four first downs but couldn't turn them into points. The six-minute drive resulted in a turnover on downs.
However, on defense, Arkansas continued to show pressure on third down in the second quarter. With five minutes remaining in the first half, Nico Iamaleva was sacked for a third time, forcing the Vols to punt. Arkansas's pass rush was efficient in keeping Tennessee far from putting points on the board.
The time of possession was lopsided for the entirety of the first half. Arkansas was finding ways to convert and sustain long drives but struggled to pick up any more points due to Tennessee recording multiple fourth-down stops.
By the half, it was still a 3-0 game. Tennessee had 76 yards of total offense, marking the first time a team has held Tennessee to under 100 yards in a half during the Josh Heupel coaching era.
To start the third quarter, Dylan Sampson recorded a 53-yard burst for the most explosive play for Tennessee at that point. His run was the play that turned the game around. On the next play, Sampson would score right up the middle after the long run, and Tennessee was on top, 7-3.
On Tennessee's next drive, Sampson would continue to be a touchdown machine. His 12th touchdown of the season gave the Vols a 14-3 lead.
The Razorbacks responded immediately on their next drive with a two-yard touchdown from Ja'Quindeno Jackson to cut into the Vol's lead. Tennessee remained on top, 14-10.
Arkansas was driving again to start the fourth quarter. Green threw a 31-yarder to Andrew Armstrong for a deep, contested first down, but the Hogs botched a snap on third down and were forced to kick a field goal to make it a one-point game.
Green limped off the field with almost a full fourth quarter to go, so the Razorback's backup, Malachi Singleton, entered the game. With 2:45 remaining, Singleton handed the ball to Braylen Russell for a 24-yard gain and two plays later, Singleton would rush in for the 11-yard score to give the Hogs the 19-14 lead.
The Vols marched down with less than a minute left. Iamleava aired it out 42 yards to Dont'e Thornton Jr., and with six seconds left Tennessee was unable to score on fourth down.
Arkansas upset the Vols with a final score of 19-14.
Tennessee returns home on Oct. 12 to start a four-game home stretch beginning with a rivalry battle against Florida. The kickoff time will start at 7 p.m.
