Gilliam erased Arkansas’ opening scoring threat with a strip sack and recovery. Tennessee moved into field-goal range but missed. The offense still looked cautious, and the quarter ended without a score. The defense had supplied the opportunity; the offense had yet to cash it in.
Key Play
Gilliam’s strip sack and recovery.
Key Player
Xavier Gilliam — the opening takeaway.
Key Stat
End of quarter: Tennessee 0, Arkansas 0.
TENN7
Second Quarter00:00
ARK0
Second Quarter
Thomas caught MacIntyre’s five-yard touchdown pass, completing a 71-yard drive. A later 35-yard completion to Staley was nullified for illegal touching. A bad snap near halftime became an Arkansas fumble recovery and long return, but the Hogs missed the field goal. Tennessee led 7–0 while its defense had allowed only 99 yards, including four rushing yards.
Key Play
Thomas’ first career touchdown.
Key Player
Trent Thomas — the half’s only score.
Key Stat
Arkansas rushing: 13 attempts, four yards.
TENN10
Third Quarter00:00
ARK14
Third Quarter
A false start helped spoil Tennessee’s opening possession. Arkansas answered with a 70-yard touchdown drive capped by Russell’s nine-yard run. MacIntyre’s interception then preceded a 63-yard Arkansas scoring drive, finished by Platt’s four-yard catch. Tennessee’s first-half defensive control had slipped. Ranvier’s 49-yard field goal cut the deficit to four.
Key Play
Arkansas’ consecutive touchdown drives.
Key Player
Cooper Ranvier — a needed 49-yard answer.
Key Stat
Arkansas outscored Tennessee 14–3.
TENN24
Fourth Quarter00:00
ARK17
Fourth Quarter
MacIntyre’s 68-yard completion to Brame set up Brame’s one-yard rushing score. Gilbert tied it with a 55-yard field goal. After another interception, Tennessee forced a punt. Bishop’s career-long 59-yard run launched the decisive drive from the Tennessee six; his eight-yard touchdown finished it. The defense forced a zero-yard possession, and Tennessee ran out the clock.
Arion Carter: two solo tackles + three assists = five total tackles. Five × $427 = $2,135. Credited sacks: 0 × $500; interceptions: 0 × $1,000; forced fumbles: 0 × $1,000; defensive touchdowns: 0 × $5,000.
Calculated season pledge: $16,726. Furman $0 (did not play); Georgia Tech $3,416; Kennesaw State $3,916; Texas $4,697; Auburn $2,562; Arkansas $2,135. These are calculated pledges, not confirmed payments. Tackles for loss, pass breakups and fumble recoveries add no separate bonus.
