FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Who said coaches and the media don't get along?

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt and ESPN analyst Ed Cunningham agree on at least one thing concerning today's game between the 11th-ranked Razorbacks and No. 16 Tennessee (TV: ESPN2, 7 p.m.).

"Arkansas is going to live and die with those two guys in the backfield," Cunningham said of tailbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. "If I'm (Tennessee defensive coordinator) John Chavis and watching film, Arkansas hasn't consistently proven, to me, they can beat you throwing. If I'm John Chavis, I'm playing a lot of 1-on-1 and loading (the box) up."

Nutt said he expects just such a strategy from the Vols.

"Oh, yeah," Nutt said. "Everybody has (loaded the box), and we expect the same."

Nutt also expressed respect for Tennessee's defense, which ranks sixth in the SEC in total defense (313.9 yards per game) and eighth in scoring defense (20.1 points per game), as well as Chavis.

"Chavis is one of the best defensive coordinators in America and does a great job of mixing up fronts, mixing up pressures, and he's got some great athletes to work with," Nutt said.

When Tennessee does choose to load up against the run, Nutt said sophomore quarterback Casey Dick and the Razorbacks receivers have to be able to make the Vols pay.

"Our receivers have to make plays," Nutt said. "They're going to get some 1-on-1 chances and they have to be ready."

Cunningham, a former NFL lineman and member of Washington's 1991 national championship team, watched part of Arkansas' workout Thursday along with broadcast partners Ron Franklin (play-by-play) and Dr. Jerry Punch (sideline).

Harrison Iffy: Arkansas' defense, riddled by injuries all season, could be without junior defensive tackle Marcus Harrison (ankle, head) for tonight's game.

While Nutt said he's hopeful Harrison will be able to at least back up starter Ernest Mitchell, defensive line coach Tracy Rocker was less optimistic.

"I don't know," Rocker said when asked if he thinks Harrison will play. "We're fine with or without him. I hope he's there, but if he's not, we're fine."

The Razorbacks have played practically all season with a patchwork linebacking crew, and junior Kevin Woods will make his first start at free safety in place of Michael Grant, who tore a knee ligament in last week's victory at South Carolina. Still, Arkansas ranks 23rd nationally in scoring defense (16.6 points per game).

"We're not an attractive bunch but we're competing and winning games," defensive coordinator Reggie Herring said.

Senior linebacker Sam Olajubutu (sore knee) went through practice Thursday and is expected to start.

Crompton Cool: It's not unreasonable to think Tennessee freshman quarterback Jonathan Crompton might have a case of the butterflies when he makes his first career start today.

After reviewing Crompton's relief effort in last Saturday's 28-24 loss to LSU, however, Herring doesn't believe Crompton will be easily ruffled. Crompton completed 11 of 24 passes for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns against LSU.

"I don't think so because the guy just went on a national TV game against LSU, probably the best defense in the country, didn't flinch, and threw two touchdown passes," Herring said. "He's a very talented guy. I don't see him flinching this week."