Arkansas Falls to Tennessee 34-31 in Petrino’s Return as Coach
UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown on October 11, 2025, the Arkansas Razorbacks fell just short against the Tennessee Volunteers, finishing the game at 34-31. This match marked the return of Bobby Petrino as interim head coach following the firing of Sam Pittman, igniting hope among fans for a new era.
The atmosphere was electric at Razorback Stadium, with an impressive 101,915 fans in attendance. Despite the excitement, Arkansas struggled to maintain control, succumbing to three costly fumbles against a relentless Tennessee defense. This match showcased a competitive spirit that was lacking in their previous game against Notre Dame, but ultimately, it was not enough to secure a victory.
Key moments defined the game, including a 1-yard touchdown run by Mike Washington that gave Arkansas a brief 17-10 lead in the second quarter. However, Tennessee quickly responded with a 2-yard touchdown run by Peyton Lewis, reclaiming the momentum at 27-17 in the third quarter.
Arkansas’ defensive performance was lacking, as they recorded zero sacks compared to five for Tennessee. The Razorbacks managed to convert 5 out of 5 red zone opportunities, yet their inability to protect the football proved detrimental. Tennessee capitalized on their own chances, converting 6 out of 6 in the red zone.
The numbers tell a compelling story: Arkansas amassed 496 yards of total offense, while Tennessee gained 485 yards. Quarterback Taylen Green finished with 240 yards passing and threw two touchdowns, but the Razorbacks’ three fumbles overshadowed their offensive efforts.
In the final moments, Arkansas clawed back within reach, with Green throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Shanks, narrowing the score to 34-31. However, time ran out, sealing their fate as they prepare for a crucial matchup against Texas A&M next week.
As the Razorbacks look ahead, fans will be eager to see if Petrino can rally the team in their first conference home game of the season. The match against Texas A&M is set to kick off at 2:30 PM on ESPN. The pressure is on for Arkansas to turn this season around and regain their competitive edge.
