Tennessee heads to Fayetteville with a new starting quarterback and one of the hottest running backs in the SEC.
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George MacIntyre is expected to make his first career start after replacing injured freshman Faizon Brandon against Auburn. MacIntyre completed 8 of 10 passes for 86 yards in relief and helped stabilize an offense that had produced virtually nothing through the air. Brandon continues to deal with the effects of a shoulder injury suffered against Texas.
Fortunately for MacIntyre, Tennessee doesn’t need him to carry the offense.
DeSean Bishop can do plenty of carrying himself.
Bishop was magnificent in the Volunteers’ 24-14 victory over Auburn, rushing 34 times for 220 yards and scoring all three Tennessee touchdowns. Arkansas knows exactly what is coming: Tennessee will test the Razorbacks’ defensive front until they demonstrate they can stop Bishop.
That’s the ideal situation for a quarterback making his first start. MacIntyre shouldn’t have to throw 40 passes. Josh Heupel can use play-action, high-percentage throws and MacIntyre’s athletic ability while gradually expanding the game plan.
Arkansas enters 2-3 and 0-2 in the SEC after consecutive conference losses to Georgia and Texas A&M. The Razorbacks managed only seven points against the Aggies last weekend. Still, Heupel has emphasized Arkansas’ explosive receivers and physical defensive front.
The Razorbacks’ best chance is to make MacIntyre uncomfortable immediately. A sack, turnover or couple of three-and-outs could energize the Fayetteville crowd and remind Tennessee of its strange history in this stadium.
The Volunteers haven’t won at Arkansas since 2001 and have lost four consecutive games in Fayetteville.
That’s an astonishing drought considering the relative fortunes of these programs over that period.
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson also has to produce more than he did against Texas A&M. Tennessee’s defense will be perfectly happy to attack if Arkansas falls behind the chains and becomes one-dimensional.
I expect the Razorbacks to play with considerable emotion early. Tennessee could have some difficulty in the first quarter while MacIntyre settles into the game.
After that, the matchup favors the Volunteers. Bishop and the Tennessee offensive line should gradually take control, and MacIntyre won’t be asked to do anything heroic.
The Vols finally end their Fayetteville drought.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Arkansas 17
Note: 16Powers.com is 19-8 so far this season picking winners. That said, these predictions are intended for entertainment purposes only.Â
