The Tennessee Vols (2-3) travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas this weekend to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-3) in a showdown that intrigues and terrifies Volunteer fans.
Here’s five Tennessee players to watch when the Vols take on the Razorbacks at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Deandre Johnson
Johnson had a strong start to the season, but since his 2.5 sack and 2.5 tackle for a loss game against South Carolina, his production has dropped off considerably.
While Johnson didn’t play well against Alabama and was ejected against Georgia, he also struggled when he played against Kentucky.
I’m marking him down with hopes that this weekend, Johnson steps up to the task of making plays against the Razorbacks Saturday night.
Jalin Hyatt
The projected Freshman All-American hasn’t seen a lot of action this season.
Against Missouri, Hyatt had two receptions for 54 yards, against Georgia, he had one reception for negative six yards.
Two weeks ago, against the Crimson Tide, Hyatt showed what he could do.
He grabbed himself two receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, one of which was a long down the sideline for what appeared to be a touchdown.
Unfortunately, it appeared he stepped out of bounds, but Hyatt still burned the defensive back.
I look forward to seeing what he can do this weekend against the Razorbacks.
Eric Gray
It isn’t a “Five Players to Watch” list without Gray on the list. He is the Volunteers premier running back, and with good reason.
This season, Gray has 79 carries for 355 yards and two touchdowns, with an average of 4.5 yards per carry.
If Tennessee wants to succeed this weekend against the Razorbacks, it’s imperative that Gray gets carries and the offensive line creates holes for the talented back.
Gray and the offensive line struggled last weekend against the Crimson Tide front seven. Understandably so, as they are all monsters.
I expect Gray to bounce back after rough rushing performance two weeks ago.
Jarrett Guarantano
I know… A lot of fans don’t want to see Guarantano ever suit up for the Volunteers again.
That being said, against Alabama he didn’t play too bad. He had his second highest QBR of the season at 81.5.
He completed 54.2% of his passes for two touchdowns. He played almost as well as he has all season.
This weekend he faces off against an Arkansas defense that is allowing 423 yards per game.
While that isn’t the best, the Arkansas defense has been one of its strongest assets to create turnovers.
The Razorbacks have a solid defensive backfield, with Hudson Clark leading the conference with three picks so far.
Josh Palmer
Palmer has led the team in receiving yards since day one. Unfortunately for him, when Guarantano struggles, he struggles.
Against the Crimson Tide, Palmer had a pretty nice performance, catching four balls for 57 yards and one touchdown.
He bounced back from his 11-yard performance against Kentucky the previous week.
This weekend Palmer has a tall task, facing off against a pretty solid Arkansas defensive backfield.
I think if Guarantano comes out early and is comfortable, we may see Palmer pop-off this weekend for the Vols.
