It’s been a hot minute since the Tennessee Vols have won a football game in northwest Arkansas. Tennessee last defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks on the road in 2001, winning a sloggy 13-3 affair on the way to the SEC Championship Game. And every attempt since has ended in disappointment, including a 19-14 loss in 2024.

But this Arkansas team is in shambles, and despite major questions at quarterback, the Vols come in with a bruising rushing attack and a physical defense. Is that enough for our college football writers to predict a Tennessee victory?

Tennessee 44, Arkansas 17

Tennessee’s offense finally finds its rhythm, and George MacIntyre shows signs of life while getting the start. MacIntyre makes the most of his opportunities, delivering several explosive plays and consistently putting pressure on an Arkansas defense that struggles to contain Tennessee’s speed and firepower. The Vols build an early lead and never really let the Razorbacks settle in.

Arkansas wide receiver Chris Marshall provides a few sparks with some explosive plays of his own, but the Razorbacks simply can’t match Tennessee’s overall explosiveness. As the game wears on, the gap in offensive firepower becomes too much to overcome, with Tennessee pulling away in the second half for a convincing 44-17 victory.

Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Tennessee 35, Arkansas 17

I know that the Vols are going with George MacIntyre as their quarterback against Arkansas this weekend, but the change does little to make me believe the Razorbacks have a shot. The truth is, that program is arguably the worst in the SEC right now when you combine the optics of fans loudly quitting on the program and the level of play they have shown thus far. Ryan Silverfield is fighting an uphill battle, and I don’t think that changes with the Vols this weekend.

This is a team that took the No. 1 team in the country into deep waters at home despite a struggle at the quarterback position. Arkansas is at home, but they haven’t had much of an advantage this season when playing there. Give me the Vols in a route.

Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Tennessee 52, Arkansas 20

The Volunteers starting George McIntyre is interesting. It’s not to say that he will take over the starting job from Faizon Brandon, but he’s got a chance to play against a very poor team in Arkansas, and if he plays well, the Volunteers are in a great spot.

Tennessee should roll over the hogs easily, especially in the trenches.

Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida

Tennessee 45, Arkansas 13

This is the perfect game for a team who is trying to ease an inexperienced quarterback into the offense. George MacIntyre won’t have to do too much; the Vols will be able to call their shot on offense, and I’ll go out on a limb and say both DeSean Bishop and Daune Morris go for over 100 yards.

Forget the history in this series in the state of Arkansas. This one is out of reach by halftime, and Tennessee gets out of town with a dominating performance on both sides of the ball against an overmatched Razorback squad.

Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Tennessee

Tennessee 27, Arkansas 17

Arkansas is a pretty bad program, but one that has found some recent success through the air. Sure, they have yet to win a game against an SEC opponent, or anyone worth mentioning, but in every game they have played, there’s been a guy named Chris Marshall who’s been featured. He opens up the pass game for the Hogs, and that could become an issue for Tennessee to defend, along with some of the read QB run stuff they could get into. But Arkansas’ offense isn’t good enough at staying in phase, and the defense is bad all around. Tennessee will win this one purely because it is a better-coached and more talented football team.

Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma