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Arian Foster scores on a 59-yard run in the third quarter against Arkansas on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess // Buy this photo
Tennessee wide receiver Austin Rogers runs to the endzone for the first touchdown of the day against Arkansas.
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Tennessee Stat Book
If a dominant first half wasn't quite enough to convert all the skeptics, no problem.
Tennessee had a terrific kill shot in the opening minutes of the third quarter Saturday.
Arkansas, trailing 20-3, took the second-half kickoff and faced third-and-3 near midfield. A misdirection pitch to Darren McFadden put the most dangerous man in cleats rolling around left end with only one orange jersey in the vicinity.
Jonathan Hefney was in that orange jersey and he cut McFadden down like some spring practice scout-teamer for no gain.
"I went for his legs,'' said Hefney. "I knew if I went up high he'd shake me off.''
Hefney cut out Arkansas' legs as well. Instead of re-gaining desperately needed momentum, the Razorbacks punted - again.
Four plays later, Arian Foster uncorked a 59-yard touchdown run and all doubts were erased. Tennessee was going to win.
And did, 34-13, clearing another hurdle on the improbable quest to get to the SEC championship game in Atlanta on Dec. 1.
"Still alive,'' proclaimed quarterback Erik Ainge. "All we did was give ourselves a chance for next week.''
The weeks are down to two for the 22nd-ranked Vols (7-3, 4-2 SEC): Vanderbilt at home, then a trip to Kentucky.
If SEC East contenders Georgia and Florida were waiting for Tennessee to stumble against the Razorbacks (6-4, 2-4) - and they were - the wait continues.
Tennessee remained in control of the East by summoning a gigantic defensive performance against an Arkansas team that was on such a roll it appeared unstoppable last week against South Carolina.
The Vols held the Razorbacks' vaunted rushing game to 127 yards - or 314 fewer than last week. McFadden finished with a well-earned 117 yards. Sidekick Felix Jones was no factor after absorbing a thigh bruise.
Just as it did five weeks ago in a shutdown of Georgia, the beleaguered, statistically battered defensive unit refuted its critics.
"Every time you guys talk bad about us, we play good,'' linebacker Jerod Mayo told the media, "so keep talking bad.''
It'll be harder after Saturday.
Tennessee's defense dominated the first half, holding Arkansas to three first downs and 36 rushing yards.
Ainge's 16-yard TD pass to Austin Rogers put the Vols on top after their opening drive. Ainge and Josh Briscoe connected from 14 yards with 10 seconds left in the half to make it 20-3.
In between, Daniel Lincoln added field goals of 25 and 28 yards, offsetting a 31-yarder by Alex Tejada of Arkansas.
But it was just two weeks ago that Tennessee led South Carolina 21-0 at the half, only to fall behind in the fourth quarter before rallying to win in overtime.
That history made Hefney's tackle on McFadden - the 2006 Heisman Trophy runner-up - on the opening exchange of the second half all the more significant.
Foster's ensuing touchdown gallop, the Vols' longest running score of the season, was virtually the only big play the offense produced in the second half. But it was enough.
Dangerous as they are running the ball, the Razorbacks aren't fitted for quick-strike comebacks and a 27-3 UT lead was money in the bank.
Arkansas' only touchdown came on a 9-yard run by Michael Smith with 8:27 to play.
Mayo countered with an interception and 34-yard return for a touchdown to make it 34-13 with 2:46 left.
It was one of three picks. Eric Berry had the other two, at the end of the second and fourth quarters, respectively.
For Tennessee's offense, it was a minimalist effort but an effective one.
Arkansas outgained UT 289 yards to 279 in total offense. Ainge was 12-of-25 passing for 128 yards.
"All he cares about is winning,'' said UT coach Phillip Fulmer. "He's smiling just as big as he was when he threw for 300 yards.''
The Vols, however, outgained the nation's No. 2 rushing team on the ground, 151 to 127 and won time of possession by 6 minutes, 40 seconds.
"We had too many three-and-outs,'' said Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, "and couldn't make any first downs in the first half.
"That really hurt us and got us out of rhythm.''
The three interceptions hurt, as did the two times Tennessee held on fourth down.
"There were about four times the offense came sprinting on the field,'' said Ainge, "because we were so excited about something the defense did.''
The defense did a lot. And no one was happier for them than their fellow target of negativity, their head coach.
"We've gotten better,'' said Fulmer. "That's the essence of coaching.
"Stats, even scores, don't tell you everything about this football team and this staff, how hard they've worked, all the crap they've been through to get to this point and we're two games away from being in Atlanta.''
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.
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Comments » 175
TommyJack writes:
funny thing happened on the way to the unemployment line....
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
Atlanta here we come.
mdvol writes:
OH HELL YES!!!!
jweaver3#395614 writes:
VOLCR, TOUCHDOWNTN, JWRAY AND THE REST OF YOU NAY SAYERS CAN KISS COACH FULMER'S BEHIND!!!! Great coaching job today by all the staff especially coach Chavis and the defense. To the naysayers Ark. did not win and did not run all over the Vols!!!
Hopefully you guys can shut up now and just support this team for a great win!!
NOW let's slam the Dores!!!
GO VOLS!!!
LET'S GO ONE GAME AT A TIME AND GET TO ATLANTA
TXVOLSFAN
Waterturkey writes:
kudos....
Man that was fun to watch.
Go Vols!!!!!
y2church#372759 writes:
Too bad Fulmer sucks. Maybe we should try to get Saban. He might be available after today.
y2church#372759 writes:
/sarc off
dlight writes:
HOW BOUT THAT COACHING STAFF NOW????NOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ,SMALL PUNK A## MIKE!!!!
chefjorge writes:
Yeah, where are you bunch now? VOLCR, TOUCHDOWNTN, JWRAY I truly and heartily echo jweaver3's comments. I'd also like to apologize to everyone for my profanity laced tirade directed at you negative lot. Anyway, hope you bet against the men in Orange.
beatlecakes writes:
This is the type of victory that we will talk about for years. Great game plan, superior execution, solid coaching, excellent crowd support. Arkansas, critics, doubters and nonbelievers were humbled today! I hope the stands were filled with recruits. Slaughter a fattned hog and fill the glasses as Vol fans will celebrate this evening.
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
I'm cooking up a big ole plate of crow to go with the roast hog at my place. Any HATERS want to join me for dinner? Oh, BTW, I'll be drinking my big orange KOOLAID to go with it, spiked with some vodka. You guys may need the alcohol.
lilmoorevols writes:
WOW!!!!!
Beat Vandy!!!!!
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
The hater silence is deafening.
VolunteerTroy_24 writes:
This was only one step toward the goal. We should keep this in perspective. There is 2 more very important games ahead.
The Vols played an exceptional game today and handed the Hogs a good old fashioned beat down. But i also remember a team that destroyed a UGA team and came back the following week and laid an egg.
So it was a great win and we should all enjoy the victory. But i wouldnt purchase tickets to Atlanta just yet. Lets see where the ball bounces. We still have to play Vandy and UK not pushovers by any means.
leggtnman#234744 writes:
You tell them JWeaver3!! The same folks who have been badgering TN all season need recognize this great victory! That young defense stepped up big time today and deserve plenty of kudos! Go Vols!
alfrizzle097 writes:
Kentucky is the one that worries me. Great effort today though!!
Waterturkey writes:
....oh yeah; nice 4th down call on the 1st drive. Has that for a conservative, "dink and dunk" coach?Set the tempo for the game.
Colliervol writes:
Great win and give credit where credit is due. With the exception of the offensive lull early in the fourth quarter, it was an excellent game plan and it was carried out by the players very well. McFadden is still a great running back but they kept him off the field and bottled up for the most part. The Vols didn't let it turn into the track meet that I suspected and that was a great move.
A couple of things to note for some our erstwhile "experts" and I told you this early in the week:
1) Do not make out like Arkansas is the second coming of the New England Patriots. The evidence was and is clear that they were not. Please refrain from further analysis of our opponents unless you want to be objective.
2) Please do not bring up comparative scores in the future. I told you they have no bearing and they do not. It's game to game and anybody with half a brain knows that. (I'm certain Bama is happy with the win over UT but it didn't mean a whole lot against the Bullies, did it? Nor did the fact that AR played Bama close.)
This team is still maddeningly inconsistent but they are on track and you have to give them credit for that. Two more to go. Just do it.
buxavol writes:
Finally!!!!
beatlecakes writes:
Vtriy_24 this was not a step it was a 100 yard dash.
C123456 writes:
Outstanding defense. Offense gets a B. I believe the spirit of Al Wilson may be back in the form of Eric Berry.
Here's to hoping that the fair-weather pretend-fans decide to move to Alabama and take your money with you. If UTAD/VASF has any sense of dignity, they should send a letter to all donors that have been calling for Fulmer's head, asking them to donate to Saban's salary fund next year. Adam Henry's, all of you.
1974Vol writes:
Great victory but we still got two more to go and this ain't your daddy's Vandy and Ky coming up. But hey for today HOW 'BOUT THEM VOLS!!
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Now THAT was a John Chavis defense of old! Congrats to, Chief, and the entire defense...
thesavageorange writes:
They showed heart today!A big orange heart.The D may finally be gelling.Loved to see the young guys play fast , and disciplined.The future is bright for Berry , and company. Oh look Bama lost.OOPS!What a beutiful day!!
Colliervol writes:
Agree with alfrizzle. Don't count your chickens just yet. I don't think KY is as good as they were early this year but you can bet your tail that both they and Vandy will be itching to spoil UT's season. It would make either one of their years.
Southland writes:
I am always happy to be wrong about the outcome of a game when I think UT is going to lose. Seems Fulmer needed some strong motivation and I'm glad it worked. Wonderful job. May the former players put an add in for the next four games. Bama got beat by Miss. State. Oh yeah!!! sure wish we could erase our bad memories. Maybe the team is getting better each week thats sure would be great.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
I have tried to post this 5 times....something must be wrong with the website........Sorry.....the Lincoln announcers are sorry.....will someone please tell them we wear ORANGE not yellow!!!!!!!! and please teach them how to count.....2 and 16 and we gained 7 and now it is 3 and 1.......we gained 15 you dumba.... and we wear ORANGE you dumba...
fullbackless writes:
volcr, touchdowntn, fire fulmer. bring on the orange kool aid. lon live fulmer you freaking pessimists
fullbackless writes:
long*
Volnut writes:
classless, is all I have to say. Great win on our part but the posting of some of the fans here is nothing less than classless.... slovog nice to see you show up after a win.
AlpharettaVol writes:
Give us several more freshmen that play with heart and reckless abandon like Eric Berry! I think we are starting to see some of that in Dennis Rogan, too.
tnocvolfan writes:
Heisman trophy winner? "Not so fast my friend!" Corso was the only one to pick the vols this a.m.HA! HA!
GO VOLS and lets get ready for the doors next week!!!
thevol writes:
Nice win, really shows our potential. This has been a crazy football season. The haters will still be here, they have nothing else to do but complain. Bring it DSA, Touchdowntn, CRwhatever, JDCvet(Wilson has been injured, you should pay attention before you talk sh%$.), THE Vol fans are ready for your Vol hating trash talk. Bring it! I am eating pig and having fun. Cheers to all Vol Fans!
Colliervol writes:
Just for a little more fun. The Hawg Nation is imploding on Hawgsports.com.
By the way, I'm pleased for all of our Vol fans who live in Arkansas. Enjoy, fellas.
1974Vol writes:
Excellent D strategy - "build a fence & don't be a gate." No one running around out of control today. Stayed in their gaps, kept inside out leverage on the ball carrier, and time after time just stoned the blocker. No. 5 was hit first by his own blocker as often as not just because the Vol defenders just were stuffing their blocks. Take this and build on it for the next two games. This was as good a defensive performance a Vol team has turned in for a while. Hope the "lights come on" theory sjt18 has been touting has really occured and these guys play this way rest of season.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Fulmer is still an idiot, and a pathetic excuse for a coach.
Colliervol writes:
No slovog, what is sad is when you don't bring any coherent arguments to either side of the equation. I could care less what you think since you only show up after they win. One game does not change the FACT that this team is still maddeningly inconsistent. But that's for another day. This day is to be enjoyed. Because I like beating the Hogs probably better than any other team.
Please try to not lump everybody into one category. Some are just plain jerks and some of us simply want better for this program than what we have seen the last 10 years. Is that clear enough or would you like me to say it in simpler language?
Colliervol writes:
I've decided either firefulmer or hiresanders is actually Johnny Majors. Or maybe both are. Come on, fess up.
TommyJack writes:
firefulmer: Your post is what's pathetic, pal. Jeesh, what a moron.
fullbackless writes:
lets hire firefulmer as coach im sure he would do a better job.......
TommyJack writes:
fullback: Might as well, he can't post.
jweaver3#395614 writes:
firefulmer you are the idiot, but at least you will post after the game, No volcr, touchdowntn and jwray those losers are not posting!!!
I will still take Coach Fulmer over most of the coaches in the country!!!
The team played great today and had contributions from several younger players today!!!
Don't tell me that Eric Berry is not going to be a very special player and Mr. Rogan is not too bad either!!!
The naysayers can walk away because we are going to Atlanta!!!
Beat the Dores down!!!!
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN
It's great to be a Tennessee Volunteer!!!
mickey9830#643278 writes:
All I can say is go Vols!!Also another great coaching job.Looks like the 85 team all over. Watch out LSU looks like payback to me(I hope anyway).Yippy aye yeah naysayers.The Vols said it all.Again great team effort(For sure the defense and the offense was fine also)and great coaching.Love them Vols!!!!
FireJohnAdams writes:
Isn't it nice to NOT have to listen to the crapola we've put up with for months out of all the naysayers...excuse me, all those....experts!
tigervol9802 writes:
Nice job by the D. Didn't allow the big play nearly all the day and kept McFadden in check.
But also a big "thank you" is in order to Coach Nutt for forgetting that he had a Heisman candidate in the backfield in the first half when he tried to establish the pass with a lower second-tier QB.
TommyJack writes:
tigervol: Good point. How about when they went for the 4th and 1 with Big Mac on the bench???
King30 writes:
To the tune of "Rocky Top":
I'm so glad I'm not an Arkyhog
Heading back to Fayetteville
Hogs can't seem to win in Neyland
Reckon they never will
Trying to beat the Vols must be maddening
Same old gameplan by a Nutt
Thought you could win by just McFaddoning
and Jonesing the ball up the gut
Chorus:
Arkyhogs you'll never be
able to beat Tennessee
In good ol Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee
Who'da thought we'd win with defense
Man, what a terrific relief
All you Fulmer and Chavis naysayers
Can kiss the arse of the Chief!
Oenoboy writes:
Easy there jweaver3. As much as I usually disagree with volcr, tdtn, jwray...etc, they are usually at the games unlike many of those already on here. These guys may not want Fulmer as our coach anymore but at least they aren't idiotic about their posts like firefulmer/hiresanders who simply rely on hate mongering without ever backing up their points.
Fact is, the only thing worth talking about right now is the well executed game plan on both sides of the ball our team pulled off today. This was a big win. Let's hope we can perform equally as well over the next two weeks and give ourselves an opportunity for payback against LSU.
GO VOLS!!!!!
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Fulmer is still an idiot and a pathetic excuse for a coach.
Let's all repeat after me: "Fulmer is still an idiot and a pathetic excuse for a coach."
thevol writes:
Repeat after me- "Firefulmer is still an idiot and is pissed that we won and bama lost".
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