If there was ever a must-win in early October for two low-to-mid-level teams, it’s this one. Both have underachieved to varying degrees, which is unfortunate, because both were supposed to have a breakout year in 2015.
How to watch Arkansas vs. Tennessee on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Everyone is sad.
Arkansas’ year has been the most disastrous, with the Razorbacks now 1-3 with three straight losses. The first was a loss to Toledo, followed by an “ass-kickin” from Kliff Kingsbury and Texas Tech, and a close loss to Texas A&M. The Hogs have talent, and they certainly aren’t as bad as they were in Bret Bielema’s first year, when they went 0-8 in the SEC, but they need to start winning soon to salvage the season and get to a bowl game.
Meanwhile, Tennessee looks the part of SEC East contender, but the Volunteers are 2-2 after close losses to Oklahoma and Florida. Those losses have left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans, who are upset at the coaching staff for easily avoidable errors that could have the Vols sitting pretty at 4-0.
Someone’s season has to at least begin to turn around. And someone’s going to have a lot more heat.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Tennessee is favored by 7.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Rocky Top Talk for Tennessee fans and Arkansas Fight for Arkansas fans.
Three big things to know
1. Tennessee’s gotta get some of this strategy stuff figured out. Like knowing when to go for it on fourth down and knowing that it has to stretch the field. The Vols have struggled with in-game strategy in their two losses.
2. On that end, Tennessee’s passing game has struggled, specifically when it comes to explosive plays. Arkansas looks to be a great cure for that, as the Hogs’ secondary has not been good this year. The Vols have to be willing to test the deep ball more this year.
3. Does the seat under Bielema get hot with a loss? That would drop Arkansas to 1-4 with a tough SEC West schedule to come. This game is, at the least, do or die to make a bowl game.
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