The Arkansas Razorbacks are back in action this Saturday, set to face off against the Tennessee Volunteers in a key SEC matchup. The Hogs head into the contest under new leadership on the defensive side of the ball, with Chris Wilson stepping up as defensive coordinator and Jay Hayes joining the staff as defensive line coach. Both bring veteran experience, with Hayes having spent two decades coaching in the NFL.
Players spoke highly of the new staff this week. Safety Caleb Wooden praised Wilson’s energy and leadership, saying he brings “a lot of juice” and encourages players to “smile through adversity.” Defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes Jr. said Hayes, who joined the team earlier this week, is already making an impression with his aggressive style up front.
Quarterback play will be front and center Saturday. Interim head coach Bobby Petrino, who’s now back at the helm for Arkansas, says his practices are always designed with the quarterback in mind. Senior QB Taylen Green is expected to start for the Razorbacks, and will be matched up against Tennessee transfer Joey Aguilar. The two have posted nearly identical stats so far this season.
Both teams had a week off to prepare. Under former coach Sam Pittman, Arkansas posted an 11-5 record with extra time to prepare, though the Hogs were 0-2 coming off in-season open dates last year. Petrino also has a strong record after extended prep time from his previous stint with the Razorbacks.
The matchup could be close – both programs are no strangers to overtime. Arkansas holds a 15-8 record in OT games, while Tennessee is 16-10. The two schools met in a six-overtime thriller back in 2002, with the Vols edging the Hogs 41-38 in Knoxville.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, with both teams looking to turn their seasons around heading into the second half of SEC play.
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