Arkansas at Tennessee set for 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’ Week 7 trip to Tennessee is locked for 3:15 p.m. Central on Saturday, Oct. 11, with SEC Network carrying the broadcast from Neyland Stadium. The SEC announced the time and channel Monday.
The matchup comes after open dates for both teams and marks the 21st meeting in the series. Tennessee leads 13–7, though Arkansas has won the last four, including last fall’s 19–14 result in Fayetteville.
Arkansas (2–3, 0–1 SEC) is regrouping under interim head coach Bobby Petrino after a 56–13 loss to Notre Dame prompted a midseason change and subsequent defensive staff dismissals. Tennessee (4–1) is coming off an overtime road win at Mississippi State.
After surviving in Starkville, Vols coach Josh Heupel pointed to the bye week as a chance to reset.
“We’ve got a chance here with the bye week to heal some guys up, get better, and get ready to get back to work,” Heupel said.
For Arkansas, the game will be Petrino’s first on the sideline as interim coach following Sam Pittman’s dismissal.
Petrino moved quickly, firing defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and defensive line coach Deke Adams as part of an overhaul.
The Razorbacks opened with wins over Alabama A&M and Arkansas State before losses to Ole Miss, Memphis and Notre Dame.
Tennessee’s résumé features wins over Syracuse, ETSU, UAB and Mississippi State, with the lone setback a 44–41 loss to Georgia.
The 2024 meeting in Fayetteville hinged on defense and late situational offense.
Arkansas held Tennessee to 332 total yards before backup quarterback Malachi Singleton scored the go-ahead touchdown inside the final two minutes.
That backdrop, plus both teams’ byes, frames a scouting week heavy on corrections.
Petrino has emphasized a back-to-basics approach on that side of the ball. He told reporters Arkansas would get back to the “principles of great defense” as the staff reassignments settle and the roster resets under a new voice.
Heupel, meanwhile, praised his team’s competitiveness after the Mississippi State finish while noting execution issues that surfaced late.
“A lot to clean up … everyone, coaches, players, everybody,” he said in his postgame remarks.
The SEC slotted Arkansas–Tennessee for the mid-afternoon window as part of its Oct. 11 lineup.
The Razorbacks return to Fayetteville for a three-game home stretch after Knoxville, while Tennessee continues a schedule that already includes two one-score outcomes.
Arkansas has not lost to Tennessee since 2007, a streak that has spanned coaching changes on both sidelines and two wins in Knoxville.
The Volunteers still hold the all-time edge and enter with a ranking attached, adding weight to a midseason cross-divisional game that will influence both teams’ trajectories.
Kick is 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network from Neyland Stadium.
3 key takeaways:
• Arkansas at Tennessee kicks at 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 11 on SEC Network.
• It is Bobby Petrino’s first game as Arkansas’ interim head coach after defensive staff changes.
• Josh Heupel said the bye week offers time to heal and improve after the MSU win.
Bobby Petrino, athletics director Hunter Yurachek on football shakeup
Why Yurachek felt Notre Dame game showed how Hogs had quit on Sam Pittman and why Petrino felt he owed it to Arkansas to take job.
Chris Wilson, Kolby Smith take lead roles in Razorbacks’ staff shakeup
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Interim Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino dismissed defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and defensive line coach Deke Adams, the university announced Monday.
Williams had spent three years at Arkansas after arriving from UCF, while Woodson directed the secondary and Adams oversaw the defensive line.
The moves came a day after the Razorbacks fired head coach Sam Pittman and elevated Petrino to interim head coach.
The changes followed a 56–13 loss to Notre Dame in Fayetteville in which Arkansas gave up 643 yards and 56 points.
Athletics director Hunter Yurachek said Sunday when announcing Pittman’s dismissal that the program required a different direction.
“I want to thank Coach Pittman for his service and dedication,” Yurachek said. “At this time, however, I feel a change is necessary to put our student-athletes and program in the best position to be successful.”
Wilson named interim defensive play-caller
With Williams, Woodson and Adams removed, Petrino turned to Chris Wilson to handle defensive play-calling as interim coordinator.
Wilson had been serving as an assistant defensive line coach in his first year at Arkansas.
Wilson has coordinated defenses at several levels, including college stints at Mississippi State and Colorado, and professional experience with the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL. He was also part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII staff as defensive line coach.
Petrino also reassigned Che Hendrix, who joined the program earlier this season as a defensive assistant, to work with the safeties. Hendrix previously spent four years as a high school head coach in Texas.
The moves leave Arkansas with a reshaped defensive structure just as the team heads into a bye week.
Kolby Smith promoted to offensive coordinator
On offense, Petrino promoted Kolby Smith to offensive coordinator while retaining play-calling duties himself.
Smith had been Arkansas’ running backs coach this season after working in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins.
Smith played under Petrino at Louisville before a four-year NFL career. His new role gives him additional responsibility in shaping the Razorbacks’ offensive preparation even as Petrino maintains in-game control.
“Kolby has great knowledge of our system and understands what it takes to prepare players at this level,” Petrino said.
The changes reinforce Petrino’s desire to keep direct influence on the offense while delegating broader responsibilities to trusted assistants.
Arkansas faces challenges ahead
The Razorbacks are 2–3 heading into a bye week before visiting Tennessee on Oct. 11. The program sits at the bottom of the SEC in several defensive categories.
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, now an ESPN analyst, said the timing of the change made sense.
“After five games, these are when decisions are likely to be made,” McElroy said. “You hate it. I love Sam Pittman to death, but it just wasn’t going in the right direction.”
Arkansas’ search for a permanent head coach is underway, and Yurachek said Petrino will be considered. The former Razorbacks head coach won 34 games from 2008 to 2011 before being dismissed in 2012 following an off-field scandal.
Despite the controversy surrounding his return, Petrino is now positioned to audition for the job over the remainder of the season.
Key takeaways
• Bobby Petrino dismissed three defensive assistants in his first full day as interim head coach.
• Chris Wilson was elevated to interim defensive coordinator, and Kolby Smith was promoted to offensive coordinator.
• Arkansas is 2–3 and searching nationally for its next head coach, with Petrino under consideration.
Razorbacks fire defensive coordinator as Petrino begins staff reset
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas announced Monday that it has relieved Travis Williams of his duties as defensive coordinator, part of a sweeping staff overhaul initiated by newly appointed interim head coach Bobby Petrino.
The move comes one day after the Razorbacks parted ways with head coach Sam Pittman.
Petrino’s first decision in his new role was abrupt: he dismissed Williams, along with co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and defensive line coach Deke Adams.
ESPN sources confirmed the firings, and ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Petrino was reshaping the defensive staff.
Morgan Turner, currently Arkansas’s tight ends coach, and other assistants will remain, for now, as Petrino seeks to patch a defense that has permitted 129 points across the past three games.
That stretch includes a 56-point showing by Notre Dame in what turned out to be Pittman’s final game.
Petrino moves swiftly after Pittman exit
Sam Pittman’s dismissal on Sunday came after a 2–3 start and a lopsided loss to Notre Dame, which dropped Arkansas into the SEC’s lower tiers in several defensive metrics.
In announcing Pittman’s firing, Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek emphasized the need for a new direction.
“At this time, however, I feel a change is necessary to put our student-athletes and program in the best position to be successful,” Yurachek said.
Petrino, who served as Arkansas’s offensive coordinator before being elevated, is now interim head coach and will be considered for the permanent job.
While Petrino has a controversial past — including a prior Arkansas head coaching stint ending amid scandal — he now faces a compressed window to prove he can restore credibility and consistency on both sides of the ball.
Williams tenure ends after defensive collapse
Williams had served as Arkansas’s defensive coordinator since 2023, following a résumé that included roles at Auburn and UCF.
He previously was a co-defensive coordinator at Auburn from 2019 to 2020 before spending two seasons at UCF under Gus Malzahn.
He was twice a Broyles Award nominee early in his Arkansas tenure, and many believed he had helped stabilize a defensive unit that had struggled prior to his arrival.
But the defense’s regression this season was stark. Over the past three games, Arkansas allowed 129 points.
The Razorbacks ranked last in the SEC in points allowed per game (30.0), rushing yards allowed (168.0), and total yards allowed (425.0), and ranked 15th in passing yards allowed (257.0).
Arkansas’s roster, including linebackers and secondary units, often appeared mismatched or out of position, particularly in the Notre Dame game when the defense looked overrun.
“I believe we can adjust and get better in a hurry,” Petrino said in a prepared statement. “This program deserves competitiveness on both sides of the ball.”
What comes next in Fayetteville
Petrino’s immediate challenge is staffing the defensive side of the ball from scratch midseason, a tall order given recruiting, scheme, and buy-in hurdles.
He must also establish authority with current players, many of whom are adjusting to rapid change.
Observers and fans have questioned whether the athletic department bears responsibility, pointing to hiring and oversight decisions.
In fan forums, criticism has been vocal about Hunter Yurachek and the broader structural direction.
On the recruiting front, Arkansas must maintain stability as it navigates the transfer portal and upcoming signing windows.
Prospective recruits paying close attention to staff turnover will evaluate the program’s trajectory.
Key takeaways
• Swift staff overhaul: Petrino’s first move as interim head coach was to fire DC Travis Williams, co-DC Marcus Woodson, and D-line coach Deke Adams.
• Defense in crisis: Arkansas’s defense had deteriorated, allowing 129 points over three games and ranking last in multiple SEC categories.
• Midseason rebuild ahead: Petrino has to reconstruct the defensive staff and restore credibility on short notice, while managing recruiting and player morale.
Arkansas fires Pittman, naming Bobby Petrino interim head coach
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas announced Sunday they have fired head football coach Sam Pittman, appointing offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino as interim coach for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The move comes after a lopsided 56-13 loss at home to Notre Dame on Saturday.
Athletics director Hunter Yurachek issued a statement expressing gratitude for Pittman’s service while emphasizing the need for change.
“I want to thank Coach Pittman for his service and dedication to the University of Arkansas throughout his time as head coach,” Yurachek said. “From Day 1, you could tell how much this opportunity meant to him. At this time, however, I feel a change is necessary to put our student-athletes and program in the best position to be successful. The goal for our football program is to be highly competitive within the Southeastern Conference and compete for a national championship.”
As the Razorbacks move forward, Yurachek added that Arkansas will immediately launch a national search for a full-time head coach, and that Petrino, whose name has surfaced before, is among those being considered.
“As we move forward … that search will include Coach Petrino, who has expressed his desire to be a candidate for the full-time job,” Yurachek said.
Pittman’s Arkansas tenure: promise unmet
Sam Pittman, age 63, became the 34th head coach in Arkansas football history when hired in December 2019.
Over his six seasons, he compiled a 32-34 overall record, with just 14 wins in Southeastern Conference play.
In his time, Pittman led Arkansas to three bowl victories. But chronic struggles in close games plagued his tenure. Under Pittman, Arkansas was 7-19 in one-possession games. Furthermore, Arkansas recovered just one non-losing SEC season under Pittman.
The Razorbacks entered the 2025 season 2–3, with setbacks including narrow defeats at Ole Miss (41–35) and at Memphis (32–31).
The loss to Notre Dame proved pivotal: Arkansas was overwhelmed, conceding touchdowns on all six first-half drives and trailing 42–13 at halftime.
Return of Petrino as interim
By naming Petrino interim head coach, Arkansas turns to a familiar face. Petrino served as Arkansas’s head coach from 2008 to 2011, compiling a 34–17 record.
His previous tenure ended amid scandal: after a 2012 motorcycle accident, Petrino misled athletic department leadership about a romantic relationship and misused his influence in hiring a subordinate.
Petrino rejoined the Arkansas program in November 2023 as offensive coordinator under Pittman.
Prior to his return, he held various offensive coordinator and head coaching roles elsewhere, including stints at Louisville, Western Kentucky, Missouri State and Texas A&M.
While Petrino’s past raises controversy, his immediate task is to steady the program during a difficult stretch. Arkansas has a bye week before traveling to face Tennessee on Oct. 11.
The program must navigate the remainder of its SEC schedule while also executing a national coaching search.
Observers note that Arkansas’s decision to fire a coach this early in the season is rare. One report observed that the last time Arkansas dismissed a head coach midseason was in 1992, when Jack Crowe was removed after an upset loss to The Citadel.
What’s ahead for Razorbacks
The immediate challenges are substantial:
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Stabilizing morale and performance. The players face uncertainty and must adjust to new leadership midseason.
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Securing commitments from prospective head coaches. Arkansas must present an attractive vision despite its current struggles.
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Protecting recruiting and roster retention. Midseason changes risk losing momentum in the transfer portal and recruiting cycles.
There is also financial complexity: Pittman’s contract reportedly entailed a buyout of nearly $10 million, of which Arkansas owes 75% of remaining compensation. (on3.com)
How fans and boosters will respond remains to be seen. Some critics have questioned the wisdom of returning to Petrino, citing his recruiting shortcomings in past tenures. Others see the move as a stopgap while the university resets.
Key Takeaways
• Arkansas fired Sam Pittman after a 2–3 start and named Bobby Petrino interim for the rest of 2025.
• Pittman departs with a 32–34 record, having struggled in one-possession games and SEC play.
• Petrino, a former Arkansas head coach, returns amid controversy but will be in the running for the permanent role.
Notre Dame routs Arkansas 56-13 in commanding road victory
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a lopsided contest at Razorback Stadium, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dismantled the Arkansas Razorbacks 56-13 on Saturday afternoon.
The Irish improved to 2-2 on the season, while Arkansas fell to 2-3 (0-1 in SEC play).
Quarterback CJ Carr paced the attack, completing 22 of 30 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns, and did not enter the game in the fourth quarter. Running back Jeremiyah Love scored four touchdowns himself, becoming the first player in Notre Dame history to register multiple rushing and receiving touchdowns in a single game.
Notre Dame out-gained Arkansas 641 to 365 yards, including 431 passing yards to the Razorbacks’ 207.
Irish offense overwhelms early
Notre Dame struck fast, scoring touchdowns on each of its six first-half possessions. By halftime, the Irish held a 42-13 lead.
On the first drive, Love punched in a 1-yard run after a 10-play, 75-yard drive to put the Irish up 7-3. On the next possession, he caught a 7-yard pass for another score.
Later, Carr connected on a 23-yard touchdown strike to Will Pauling.
With 35 seconds left in the half, Arkansas coughed up a fumble, and Notre Dame converted it into another score to close the half.
Love finished with 127 total yards — 57 rushing and 70 receiving — and accounted for all four of his touchdowns in the first half.
Arkansas drove early as well, responding in the second quarter when offensive lineman Shaq McRoy lined up at fullback and powered in from 1 yard out to cut the margin to 14-10. But Notre Dame answered swiftly.
Arkansas offense muted
Razorback quarterback Taylen Green was held to modest numbers in this one. He completed 17 of 32 passes for 207 yards, was sacked three times, and threw one interception. He added 81 yards on the ground but was unable to spark his team into serious contention.
Running back Mike Washington carried 15 times for 63 yards, the team’s leading ground gainer. Receiver O’Mega Blake hauled in six catches for 73 yards as Arkansas’ top target.
Late in the third quarter, the Irish executed a fake punt that drew additional attention to their aggressive approach. Arkansas also saw Jalen Brown carted off with a leg injury on a pass attempt that fell incomplete.
Defense steps up, crowd dwindles
While Notre Dame’s offense stole the spotlight, the Irish defense held Arkansas in check most of the afternoon.
In the first half, Green completed just 6 of 15 passes for 85 yards.
The defense also forced a fumble by Arkansas’ Raylen Sharpe, while safety Luke Talich tallied an interception.
Former Arkansas tight end Ty Washington, now with Notre Dame, offered a blunt assessment before the game.
“But if you really shut them out quick, it will be done. The fan base will be quiet and everybody will go home,” Washington said.
By the start of the fourth quarter, much of the home crowd had left the stadium, as Arkansas trailed by nearly 30 points.
Big picture, what’s next
This victory may help Notre Dame steadily rebuild momentum amid a season of lofty expectations and early struggles.
After beginning the season 0-2, the Irish have now evened their record. The schedule ahead is manageable and next up is Boise State at home.
Arkansas, meanwhile, must regroup in SEC play. The Razorbacks are now 0-1 in conference matchups with a demanding schedule ahead after an open date.
Coach Marcus Freeman said the win demonstrates what his team can do when firing on all cylinders.
Observers have noted that Carr’s precision and Love’s versatility are building national buzz.
“It would not surprise me if Notre Dame’s CJ Carr was the first overall pick in 2027,” columnist Dan Wetzel said.
Key Takeaways
• Balanced, dynamic offense — Notre Dame scored on every first-half drive and eclipsed 600 total yards.
• Love makes history — Jeremiyah Love became Notre Dame’s first to score both rushing and receiving touchdowns in one game.
• Arkansas shut down — Arkansas’ offense was held to 13 points, and their defense couldn’t keep pace.
Former Razorbacks coach Lou Holtz with the media before Notre Dame game
Honorary captain for the Hogs at Razorback Stadium before first-ever meeting between the two schools he coached for a number of years.
