2008 Woodie Awards
Vols prepare for Arkansas rushing duo
Associated Press
Beth Rucker
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 2 next >
KNOXVILLE, California's Justin Forsett, Alabama's Terry Grant, South Carolina's Terry Boyd and half of Florida's offensive lineup had heydays rushing against Tennessee this season.
Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Felix Jones could be next.
Consider Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis optimistic, though.
"It's a big opportunity, there's no doubt about that. I may be saying something differently after the game, but we're excited about going out and seeing how we can match up," Chavis said Tuesday.
The No. 22 Vols (6-3, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) will have to come up with one of their best defensive performances of the season to stop McFadden and Jones, the top two rushers in the SEC.
Tennessee fares a bit better against the run than against passing, giving up an average 167.7 yards rushing per game compared to 244.8 yards passing. But Arkansas (6-3, 2-3) boasts the second-best rushing offense in the nation, putting up an average 315.9 yards a game.
"Arkansas is one of the most impressive teams I've seen offensively," coach Phillip Fulmer said. ''They just totally manhandled South Carolina's defense. McFadden is easily one of the best players in the nation."
Manhandle they did last week, posting 542 yards rushing and 109 yards passing against the Gamecocks. McFadden ran for an SEC record-tying 321 yards, nearly 100 yards more than any other player has rushed for in a game this season, and Jones added 166.
"To be honest, I couldn't believe it," defensive end Xavier Mitchell said. "South Carolina is a pretty sound defense most of the time. The way that they just kind of tore threw them, it kind of took me by surprise. But anything can happen on Saturday."
The Vols defense fared well against Arkansas last year for three out of four quarters, holding the Razorbacks to just 13 points, but had a miserable second quarter in the 31-14 loss. McFadden had 181 yards and two touchdowns in the game and Jones added 72 yards.
Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Felix Jones could be next.
Consider Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis optimistic, though.
"It's a big opportunity, there's no doubt about that. I may be saying something differently after the game, but we're excited about going out and seeing how we can match up," Chavis said Tuesday.
The No. 22 Vols (6-3, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) will have to come up with one of their best defensive performances of the season to stop McFadden and Jones, the top two rushers in the SEC.
Tennessee fares a bit better against the run than against passing, giving up an average 167.7 yards rushing per game compared to 244.8 yards passing. But Arkansas (6-3, 2-3) boasts the second-best rushing offense in the nation, putting up an average 315.9 yards a game.
"Arkansas is one of the most impressive teams I've seen offensively," coach Phillip Fulmer said. ''They just totally manhandled South Carolina's defense. McFadden is easily one of the best players in the nation."
Manhandle they did last week, posting 542 yards rushing and 109 yards passing against the Gamecocks. McFadden ran for an SEC record-tying 321 yards, nearly 100 yards more than any other player has rushed for in a game this season, and Jones added 166.
"To be honest, I couldn't believe it," defensive end Xavier Mitchell said. "South Carolina is a pretty sound defense most of the time. The way that they just kind of tore threw them, it kind of took me by surprise. But anything can happen on Saturday."
The Vols defense fared well against Arkansas last year for three out of four quarters, holding the Razorbacks to just 13 points, but had a miserable second quarter in the 31-14 loss. McFadden had 181 yards and two touchdowns in the game and Jones added 72 yards.
