Oct 43 min read

An SEC Clash: Tennessee, Arkansas to Meet in Primetime

Josh Heupel | Tennessee Head Coach — ©BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 4 Tennesse Volunteers (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) and head coach Josh Heupel actually had a bye week in Week 5. The Arkansas Razorbacks (3-2, 1-1) actually fell to the Texas A&M Aggies (4-1, 2-0) 21-17 in a nailbiter in Week 5. The Volunteers and Razorbacks will face off on Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. EST at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.

What's at Stake?

The Volunteers look to keep up their streak of never trailing this season. They have gone 24 straight quarters without trailing in game dating back to last year's bout with the Vanderbilt Commodores.

The Razorbacks are looking for their first victory over a Top 5 opponent since actually defeating these same Volunteers on Nov. 13, 1999, 28-24.

Key Players: Tennessee

Center Cooper Mays, Running Back Dylan Sampson

The Volunteers' center Cooper Mays, who is a preseason All-American, has gone 18 straight games without allowing a sack. He continues to be one of the pieces that holds the offensive line together and gives quarterback Nico Iamaleava plenty of time to execute the offense.

Sampson also has been quite the offensive player as Tennessee continues to rely on him. He has 10 rushing touchdowns on the year, which leads the SEC, and ranks second in the entire FBS.

Defensive Lineman Joshua Josephs, Defensive Lineman Bryson Eason

Josephs is a consistent standout on the Volunteers' defensive line and was actually named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his performance against the Oklahoma Sooners in Week 4. He had 3 tackles and a big fumble recovery in the game.

Eason is also a big part of the Volunteers' defensive line as he only had 1 tackle against the Sooners but is on several award lists. He is on the Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List and the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.

Key Players: Arkansas

Quarterback Taylen Green, Running Back Ja'Quinden Jackson

Green has been an absolute machine for the Razorbacks' offense. He has completed 88-of-162 passes for 1,236 yards and 5 touchdowns so far this season. If the Razorbacks are going to make a bowl game this season, he is one to rely on.

Jackson also has been quite good for the Razorbacks' offense so far this season. He has put up 3 100-yard rushing games this season and 3 multiple rushing touchdown games. He is one of the best running backs in the conference and he is going to be needed if the Razorbacks want a chance to upset the Volunteers.

Defensive Lineman Landon Jackson, Defensive Tackle Quincy Rhodes Jr.

Jackson had quite the game against the Aggies. He had 2 sacks and had a season-high 8 tackles with 3 of those tackles being for loss. He is quite the player on the defensive line for the Razorbacks.

Rhodes also hit a milestone in the game against the Aggies. He registered his first career sack and is rated the No. 2 player in Arkansas.