Takeaways from Saturday's loss to Arkansas | TNJN: Tennessee Journalist

[title_box title=”Takeaways from Saturday’s loss to Arkansas”]

“It’s either winning…or misery.”

Play-by-play commentator Mark Jones summed up the Vols 24-20 loss to Arkansas on Saturday night perfectly with this quote, as fans filed out of the stadium with their heads down after the Vols could not convert on a fourth down late in the game.

The Vols are now 2-3 on the season, but even worse, are now 0-2 in conference play. This makes an SEC East crown extremely unlikely.

Here are the takeaways from Saturday’s loss.

Another week, another blown lead

While the Vols did not blow a fourth quarter lead in this contest, they did jump out to a quick 14-0 lead, scoring on the game’s opening kickoff and on a seven-yard touchdown run by quarterback Josh Dobbs on the team’s first offensive possession. The rest of the game, however, was a difference story for the Vols. Tennessee’s ensuing drives ended in a punt, missed field goal, field goal, fumble, punt, field goal, punt, punt and turnover on downs. They were outscored 24-6 over that span. In all three of Tennessee’s losses this season, they have blown double digit leads. In 17 years under Phillip Fulmer, the Vols blew double digit leads on only six occassions.

Unable to take advantage of opportunities

While Tennessee has given teams numerous opportunities to come back this season, the Vols were not able to capitalize on the opportunities presented to them. In the second half, Arkansas failed to execute twice on field goal attempts. The first attempt was blocked by Shy Tuttle, but Tennessee could only muster 12 yards on their next drive and had to punt. The second attempt was a failed attempt at a trick play, which Tennessee sniffed out and stopped one yard short. The Vols quickly went three-and-out.

Fourth quarter blues continue

The Vols’ defense allowed zero points in the fourth quarter, but their offense was unable to score as well, gaining only 29 yards on 12 fourth quarter plays. In the fourth quarter against Oklahoma, Florida and Arkansas, the Vols have run 39 plays for 108 yards, scoring only seven total points and missing a field goal.

Dobbs inconsistent in passing game

Quarterback Josh Dobbs threw the ball only 17 times against Florida, resulting in ten completions for 87 yards. Against Arkansas, Dobbs threw 36 passes, but completed only 20 (55 percent) for 232 yards. While Dobbs’ passing performance against Arkansas was an upgrade from his performance against Florida, in the fourth quarter, Dobbs completed only three of nine passes.

Defense couldn’t stop the run, Offense couldn’t get it going

To put it lightly, Arkansas ran all over the Tennessee defense. The Razorbacks finished the evening as a team with 50 carries for 275 yards and two scores. Star running back Alex Collins made the Vols pay time and time again, rushing for 154 yards on 27 carries for both Razorback scores. Rawleigh Williams also provided a strong rushing effort for the Razorbacks, reaching the century mark on just 14 carries. Tennessee rushed for 133 yards as a team, their second lowest total of the season. After rushing for 136 yards last week against Florida, Dobbs was held to just seven yards on seven carries. The Vols averaged four yards per carry as a unit, their second-lowest team average of the season.

Final takeaway

The Vols continue to have games in their control, but also continue their failure to capitalize on leads and opportunities. The most consistent bright spot for the team this season has been running back Jalen Hurd, who had another solid game against Arkansas (19 carries, 90 yards). If the Vols give Hurd more opportunities to make plays, especially in the crucial stretches of games, they will give themselves a better opportunity to close out games. It is still evident that the Vols’ players and coaching staff don’t know how to close out a game yet. Feeding Hurd more could be a viable solution to that problem.

Featured image by Ryan McGill

Edited by Cody McClure