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Bishop’s big day powers Tennessee past Arkansas amid Razorback turmoil

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Bishop’s big day powers Tennessee past Arkansas amid Razorback turmoil

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — DeSean Bishop rushed for a career-high 146 yards and a touchdown, and No. 12 Tennessee edged Arkansas, 34-31, on Saturday as the Razorbacks’ season continues to spiral amid a coaching shakeup.

The Volunteers (5–1, 2–1 SEC) got 221 yards and a touchdown through the air from quarterback Joey Aguilar, while Peyton Lewis added two rushing scores.

Arkansas (2–4, 0–2), under newly installed interim coach Bobby Petrino, lost three fumbles and allowed five sacks of quarterback Taylen Green.

Tennessee leaned on its ground game early, controlling possession and keeping Arkansas’ defense on the field for long stretches.

The Razorbacks found success through the air with Green, who showcased his dual-threat ability but lacked protection throughout much of the contest.

The loss marked Arkansas’ fourth defeat in five games and its second in SEC play, further deepening uncertainty following the firing of former head coach Sam Pittman.

Petrino, leading the team in his first game back at the helm, faced an uphill task in steadying a roster shaken by midseason turmoil.

Bishop and Tennessee find rhythm

Tennessee and Arkansas were knotted at 17 at halftime, but in the second half the Vols went on a 17-point surge to create separation.

Bishop, briefly sidelined by a leg injury late in the third quarter, returned to deliver crucial carries down the stretch.

Peyton Lewis added two fourth-quarter touchdowns that sealed Tennessee’s victory.

Joey Aguilar was steady behind center, throwing for 221 yards and a touchdown while avoiding turnovers.

His composure in third-down situations helped extend drives, especially during the decisive third quarter when the Vols began pulling away.

The Volunteers’ offensive line created consistent push at the point of attack, allowing Bishop and Lewis to combine for over 200 rushing yards.

Still, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel’s team struggled with discipline, drawing 10 penalties for 78 yards.

Arkansas managed to make a comeback effort.

Green connected with Rohan Jones and Kam Shanks for touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to three, but Tennessee’s defense made key stops on the Razorbacks’ final two drives.

Petrino era begins amid turbulence

Saturday’s matchup came one week after the Razorbacks dismissed Pittman, who had posted a 32–34 record in Fayetteville.

His firing followed a 56-13 loss to Notre Dame, prompting the university to turn to Petrino as interim coach in hopes of salvaging the season.

Petrino, once a successful yet controversial figure at Arkansas, immediately reshuffled the coaching staff.

He relieved defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and the defensive line coach of their duties before the trip to Knoxville.

Green admitted the sudden changes were jarring.

“Everybody was just in shock with all the changes that happened last week on the bye week,” the sophomore quarterback said. “Coach Petrino’s message was to stay focused and not let outside noise define who we are.”

Despite moments of offensive spark, the Razorbacks’ defense struggled to adjust to schematic tweaks and tackling issues persisted.

Three turnovers, including a fumble deep in Tennessee territory, proved costly.

Razorbacks show flashes, but flaws linger

Arkansas’ defensive front, led by Landon Jackson, recorded a pair of sacks but allowed Bishop and Lewis to break through on key downs.

The Volunteers finished with 198 rushing yards on 43 carries, maintaining balance throughout.

Offensively, Green passed for 256 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while rushing for 63 yards and a score.

Tight end Luke Haas and receiver Shanks were productive, though protection breakdowns forced Green to improvise often.

Tennessee’s secondary bent but rarely broke, intercepting one pass and tightening coverage in critical moments.

Though the Razorbacks rallied late, they were unable to recover from an earlier 17-point deficit.

The Vols’ staff acknowledged postgame that improvement is still needed.

“We’ve got to play cleaner football,” Heupel said. “The penalties and missed assignments have to be corrected if we want to keep competing for championships.”

SEC outlook moving forward

Tennessee improved to 5–1 overall and remains in contention within the SEC East as it heads to Tuscaloosa next week to face Alabama.

The Volunteers’ ability to manage both the clock and the ground game will be tested against one of the nation’s top defensive fronts.

Arkansas returns to Fayetteville to host Texas A&M, a matchup that could determine its bowl hopes. Petrino emphasized the importance of urgency.

“We’ve got to regroup and get our confidence back,” he said. “This team has talent. It’s about execution now.”

For Tennessee, Bishop’s breakout was a promising development, giving Heupel’s offense a dependable option alongside Aguilar.

Key takeaways

  • DeSean Bishop’s 146 rushing yards and key fourth-quarter carries were decisive in Tennessee’s 34-31 win.
  • Arkansas’ instability after Sam Pittman’s firing led to turnovers, protection issues and defensive breakdowns.
  • Tennessee remains a contender but must address penalties and run-defense lapses before facing Alabama.

Ruscin and Zach Podcast Oct 10th

Bill Nevin
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Ruscin and Zach Podcast Oct 10th

Hogs, Tennessee injury updates for SEC clash include new Vols wide receiver doubt

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Hogs, Tennessee injury updates for SEC clash include new Vols wide receiver doubt

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As Arkansas and Tennessee prepare for their SEC showdown on Saturday, both programs issued updated Friday availability reports revealing continued injury concerns and a newly added doubt for Tennessee.

The Arkansas Razorbacks, under interim coach Bobby Petrino, again listed an extensive set of players as out.

The Volunteers, ranked No. 12, added freshman wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. as doubtful, deepening uncertainty in their receiving corps.

Arkansas Availability Report: Major holes across offense, defense

In its third update of the week ahead of Arkansas’ SEC opener against Tennessee, the Razorbacks designated several key players as “out.”

Arkansas’ reported status includes:

• WR Monte Harrison — Out
• WR Jalen Brown — Out
• WR Ismael Cisse — Out
• TE Jeremiah Beck Jr. — Out
• TE Andreas Paaske — Out
• RB AJ Green — Out
• DB Quentavius Scandrett — Out
• DL David Oke — Out
• DB Jaheim Singletary — Questionable

The breadth of absences leaves Arkansas reliant on depth and younger receivers to fill significant roles.

In prior releases, Pittman (before his dismissal) indicated Brown’s broken leg would sideline him for an extended period, and Harrison had been dealing with a broken foot.

Petrino has emphasized the need for new contributors to step up. He said the team will lean on CJ Brown and true freshman Courtney Crutchfield to expand their roles in the passing game.

Tennessee’s Stance: Cornerback losses, added doubt at WR

Tennessee’s Friday report carries fewer names but features a key addition. The Vols’ injuries now include:

• DB Rickey Gibson III — Out
• DB Jermod McCoy — Out
• WR Radarious Jackson — Out
• WR Travis Smith Jr. — Doubtful (new listing)
• TE Ethan Davis — Questionable
• Cornerback Jermod McCoy, a preseason All-American who tore his ACL in January, remains sidelined.

Vols coach Josh Heupel praised McCoy’s rehabilitation efforts, though no return date was set.

Heupel said McCoy “has done a really good job and continues to attack the recovery process,” but cautioned that it’s unfair to tie his progress to a specific game.

The addition of freshman receiver Travis Smith Jr. as doubtful further reduces Tennessee’s depth.

Smith’s absence, coupled with Radarious Jackson’s injury, stretches the Volunteers’ options on the perimeter.

One positive development is defensive tackle Daevin Hobbs being cleared for action after missing much of the fall.

Heupel credited Hobbs’ improvement in conditioning and technique during practice this week.

Depth in question for both sides

Arkansas’ offense is especially depleted at wide receiver and tight end, leaving mostly underclassmen available.

Losing defensive lineman David Oke also shortens an already thin rotation, which could impact second-half stamina.

Tennessee’s secondary faces similar strain. Without Gibson and McCoy, the Vols rely on young corners Kamal Hadden and Jordan Matthews.

Tight end Ethan Davis’ questionable status may limit Tennessee’s ability to use two-tight-end formations effectively.

The Volunteers still hold a statistical edge. They enter the weekend averaging 50.2 points per game, while Arkansas has allowed more than 41 points per contest against Power Four opponents.

Petrino’s defense will likely rotate heavily, hoping to keep the game close into the fourth quarter.

Key takeaways

  • Arkansas faces sweeping absences across multiple positions, especially at receiver and tight end.
  • Tennessee adds a fresh injury concern with Travis Smith Jr. now listed as doubtful, compounding existing losses at cornerback and wideout.
  • Both teams’ depth will be tested, with backups expected to play significant roles in Saturday’s SEC matchup.

Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres with thoughts on Razorbacks firing Sam Pittman

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres with thoughts on Razorbacks firing Sam Pittman

In first time back on ESPN Arkansas since coaching changeover, what his thoughts are and how he sees rest of season playing out for Hogs.

BetSaracen’s Neal Atkinson on how line viewing Razorbacks-Volunteers

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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BetSaracen’s Neal Atkinson on how line viewing Razorbacks-Volunteers

With Tennessee heavily favored, how Arkansas fans can take advantage of some interesting odds on some bets for a big payday if it works.

Eastside Liquor🍺 Half🕛time Podcast 10.10.25

Christian Johnston
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Eastside Liquor🍺 Half🕛time Podcast 10.10.25

What That SEC Podcast’s Michael Bratton expects from Razorbacks against Vols

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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What That SEC Podcast’s Michael Bratton expects from Razorbacks against Vols

With lots of new coaches, is it even possible to get the Hogs in position for another upset against Tennessee on Saturday?

Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 10-10-25

Colton Little
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Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 10-10-25


Coming off the Bye, Arkansas looks to get back to winning ways. Applications available for Stay At Home Sons.

Guests: The Fence Man x SEC Mike!

WATCH: Halftime is LIVE!

Christian Johnston
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WATCH: Halftime is LIVE!

Aaron Torres – 11:15
Neal Atkinson – 1:15

Ruscin and Zach Podcast Oct 9th

Bill Nevin
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Ruscin and Zach Podcast Oct 9th

 

Razorbacks’ Rtail undergoes back surgery; Semedo development focus

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks’ Rtail undergoes back surgery; Semedo development focus

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas head coach John Calipari and staff are managing a health setback and a developmental strategy as the Razorbacks prepare for the 2025–26 season.

Karim Rtail, a freshman wing from Lebanon, will miss an extended stretch after undergoing a procedure on his back, according to Andrew Hutchinson at Best of Arkansas Sports.

The surgery could sideline him for up to 12 weeks, which would place his return near the opening of SEC play.

Rtail, 21, came into the program as a developmental piece and was not expected to have heavy minutes early in his Arkansas tenure.

In his most recent season abroad in Lithuania’s second-tier league with Neptūnas-Akvaservis, he averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17.1 minutes over 35 games, shooting 42.6% overall, 31.4% from three, and 78.9% from the free-throw line.

Calipari, referencing last season’s injury burdens, contrasted the current roster’s relative health.

“Oh my gosh, we couldn’t do anything last year,” he said. “We can go at each other and do a scrimmage versus what we had to do last year — we didn’t have enough guys.”

Still, Rtail’s absence will test depth on the wing.

Though not projected as a major contributor immediately, missing three months could slow his acclimation to the college game. In the Crimson and White scrimmages earlier this fall, he did not participate.

Semedo set to redshirt, focused on growth

Seven-footer Paulo Semedo, an Angolan prospect who committed mid-June, is expected to redshirt this season, sources say.

At the “Primetime at the Palace” event, Semedo didn’t take the floor, while another newcomer, Elmir Dzafic, did.

Critiques of Semedo’s early performance have emerged. Arkansas assistant coach Chuck Martin told Hawgs Illustrated that Semedo needs to “get a little bit stronger.”

Meanwhile, Inside Arkansas Hoops expert Curtis Wilkerson, after watching him at an event, observed that Semedo appeared to be “overthinking everything” and “overwhelmed” by the information.

Despite challenges, the potential is considerable. ESPN ranked Semedo as the No. 50 overall prospect in the 2026 class. He reportedly has a wingspan of 7-5 (some rumors suggest 7-8) and has drawn “African Wemby” comparisons, referencing Victor Wembanyama.

Calipari also addressed Semedo’s progress in offseason interviews, saying, “He’s doing good, he’s young, physically has to catch up, conditioning and all those things, but you’re talking about a 7-foot talented player.”

If injuries arise among frontcourt rotation players such as Malique Ewin or Nick Pringle, plans to redshirt Semedo could shift.

Roster context and implications

Arkansas returns sophomores Karter Knox and Billy Richmond III and freshman Isaiah Sealy as wing options anticipated to play ahead of Rtail. The injury to Rtail means those wings will likely absorb more load early.

Meanwhile, in the frontcourt, Arkansas has depth with Ewin, Pringle, returner Trevon Brazile, and Dzafic. But if injuries affect any of those, Semedo’s readiness could become critical.

Calipari has expressed relief that the roster is healthier than last season, when multiple players were sidelined early. But managing minutes, especially in nonconference games and exhibitions, may require caution. Rtail’s recovery timetable and Semedo’s gradual integration are part of that balancing act.

What’s next and timeline

• Rtail’s recovery: If the 12-week estimate holds, he could rejoin the roster near the start of SEC play — likely late December or early January. His timeline could adjust based on rehabilitation progress.

• Semedo development: This year is slated for strength and conditioning work, learning the system, and gaining experience off the bench.

• Rotation stress test: Early nonconference schedule and exhibition games will be opportunities to expose depth, without overextending injured or inexperienced players.

• Potential shift if injuries occur: Should Ewin or Pringle experience injuries, redshirt plans for Semedo may be revisited.

Arkansas enters a phase of cautious optimism. The program must balance ambition with realistic expectations amid injuries and development curves.

The Rtail surgery is a setback, but one that can be mitigated with time; Semedo’s redshirt year offers room for growth.

As the season approaches, the strength of the depth chart and player development will be tested.

Key takeaways

• Karim Rtail will miss approximately 12 weeks after back surgery, delaying his arrival into rotation.

• Paulo Semedo is slated to redshirt this season while focusing on strength, conditioning, and adaptation.

• Arkansas’ roster depth and wing rotation will be under early pressure with Rtail unavailable.

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