Just before Tennessee began its sixth game of an all-Southeastern Conference season, SEC Network analyst Gene Chizik said Saturday of the Volunteers’ trip to Arkansas: “I think it’s imperative they win tonight. Their schedule is brutal the rest of the way.”
Maybe that schedule is that imposing and maybe it isn’t, but the Big Orange started their road game looking a whole lot better than they had in a month, the open date certainly helping after three straight losses to Georgia, Kentucky and Alabama.
Again, playing five straight weeks is tough on anyone. Playing five straight weeks against the SEC would wear down the strongest of teams, at least anyone but Alabama.
And when two of those games came against the dynastic Crimson Tide and the formerly intimidating Georgia Bulldogs, well, who wouldn’t need a break?
Given that, the Vols certainly looked the more energetic team in the opening half in Fayetteville. After booting a field goal on its first possession, Tennessee drove the ball down the Razorbacks’ throats, Eric Gray running it into the end zone for a 10-0 advantage that swelled to 13-0 by halftime.