Fayetteville, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks saw their SEC losing streak stretch to 14 games on Saturday when the Tennessee Volunteers edged them 24-17 at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The crowd of 69,038 witnessed a dramatic finish, with Tennessee’s running back DeSean Bishop scoring the go‑ahead touchdown with 1:57 left on the clock.
Key moments
Arkansas entered the fourth quarter leading 17-14 after a solid second‑half drive that featured a 70‑yard scoring sequence capped by Braylen Russell’s 10‑yard run. The Razorbacks then forced a Tennessee interception at the Arkansas 42‑yard line with 5:44 remaining, giving them a chance to retake the lead.
Instead of attempting a high‑risk fourth‑down conversion, head coach Ryan Silverfield elected to punt, citing the low probability of success and concerns about pass protection. The decision was met with boos from the home crowd. Tennessee capitalized on the ensuing possession, executing a five‑play, 94‑yard drive that culminated in Bishop’s 8‑yard touchdown run.
Statistical snapshot
Tennessee rushed 35 times for 167 yards, while Arkansas managed 12 carries for 113 yards in the second half before the turnover. Overall, the Volunteers outgained the Razorbacks 414‑288 in total yardage. Bishop finished with 138 rushing yards on 19 carries and the decisive score.
Arkansas quarterback George MacIntyre threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions, including the pivotal pick that set up Tennessee’s final drive. The Razorbacks were unable to convert on their last two possessions, resulting in a three‑and‑out that handed the ball back to Tennessee.
Coach Silverfield’s perspective
After the game, Silverfield praised his team’s effort while acknowledging the need for improvement. “We weren’t able to stop the run,” he said on the Razorback Sports Network post‑game show. “The explosives were ultimately what killed us. We have to find ways to improve execution when it matters.” He also highlighted the team’s resilience, noting the players’ confidence at halftime and their ability to fight back after early setbacks.
Silverfield defended the punt decision, explaining that leaving Tennessee in field‑goal range could have allowed a ten‑point lead. “If you can punt and play defense and stop the run on three downs … we’d give ourselves a chance to tie it,” he said.
Historical context
The loss marks Arkansas’ 10th consecutive home defeat against a Power‑5 opponent. The Razorbacks’ last victory over a Power‑5 team came on Oct. 5, 2024, when they beat then‑No. 4 Tennessee 19‑14. Their SEC losing streak, now at 14 games, is the longest active streak in the conference, surpassing Vanderbilt’s three‑game slide.
Arkansas has endured three separate SEC losing streaks of at least 14 games in the past 15 seasons, the longest of which was 20 games from 2017‑2020. The current streak began with a 63‑31 loss to Ole Miss on Nov. 2, 2024.
Looking ahead
The Razorbacks will travel to Nashville next Saturday to face Vanderbilt. Both teams sit at 0‑3 in SEC play, making the upcoming matchup crucial for Arkansas’ hopes of breaking the conference skid.
Tennessee, now 5‑1 overall and 2‑1 in the SEC, will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a top‑four finish in the conference.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
