Good Ole Rocky Top

This time last year, fans of the both the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers were just hoping for a bowl game. Two programs with new coaches brought in from outside the SEC to try and reinvigorate proud, storied programs that had fallen upon hard times.

It’s almost scary how quickly things have changed for these two programs. Both back in the top 25 preseason poll for the first time under their new coaches, both the Hogs and the Vols have made great strides on the field, and have excited their fanbases to the point of not just hoping to win, but expecting to win. And wouldn’t you know it, they get to play each other this year.

On this week’s episode of Going Ham, Razor and I talk about how important the Tennessee game is. We aren’t the only ones who are talking about it, either. SBNation had a big article about the Razorbacks this week, and they also state that the Tennessee game could very well define the season for Arkansas.

Oct 12, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Keon Hatcher (4) runs with the ball during a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. South Carolina defeated Arkansas 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

The Razorbacks have one of, if not the toughest post-September schedules in the country. Starting in October, the Hogs play AT Tennessee, AT Alabama on Homecoming, and then they get a bye week. Then the Razorbacks host Auburn and then UT Martin, before facing a final 4 game stretch against Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU, and Missouri.

Dang.

A win at Tennessee is not necessarily crucial for the Hogs, but a win at Tennessee would set the Razorbacks up for quite a run through the rest of their schedule. Let’s play the “What if…” game with the Hogs schedule for just a minute.

WHAT IF:

The Razorbacks come into the game in Tennessee undefeated, with a win over A&M under their belt and starting the season ranked in the top 20. The Hogs could very well be close to a top 10 team at that point. The Volunteers could already have a loss to Oklahoma (although I’m not sold on that yet. Oklahoma SHOULD win, however.) The Vols are coming off a hard fought game against one of their biggest rivals, the Florida Gators. The loss to Oklahoma may have knocked the Vols out of the top 25, but by October, they may have crawled back into the rankings. And, if the Vols BEAT the Sooners, then we could be looking at two undefeated, ranked, SEC opponents, which could very well get ESPN Game Day to come to town.

You see how this game has the potential to be a huge showdown? Adding to the equation that after the Arkansas game, Tennessee hosts Georgia then travels to Alabama, and it becomes clear how important this game is for both teams and their season. The Hogs need a road win. The Vols don’t want to lose at home, and they host the Hogs, Georgia, and Oklahoma.

All eyes on Neyland.

So what if the Hogs win? The Razorbacks then show up in Alabama against a Crimson Tide squad that just got done trying to tackle Nick Chubb the week before. The Razorbacks are full of confidence, and they feel insulted that they’re the homecoming game for the Tide. Two straight weeks of ground and pound might be too much to take for the Alabama defensive line. The Hogs lost to the Tide, an eventual playoff team, by 1 point last year. Could this be the year the Razorbacks finally get a road win over the Tide?

Maybe. Do you see where I’m going here? The Tennessee game is the gateway drug for Arkansas. It could be the difference between a New Years Day bowl or Birmingham. A loss at Alabama the week after doesn’t diminish the season for the Hogs, because they get a bye week after that before taking on Auburn at home. But back to back losses on the road would be a tough pill to swallow for the Razorbacks. Then they host an Auburn team that has been a projected playoff bound squad as well, and it becomes a must win. The next two conference games for the Hogs are on the road at Ole Miss and LSU, two tough places to play.

Things can snowball in sports. The Razorbacks saw it last year when everything finally came together against LSU and Ole Miss. Now the Hogs need to bring that momentum from last year into the beginning of the season. The Razorbacks play Texas Tech at home on September 19th, then it’s a neutral site game with A&M, 2 more road games, and a bye week. By the time the Hogs take the field again in Fayetteville on October 24th, the entire dynamic of the season will have changed.

For better or worse, we’ll have a pretty good understanding of the season after the Tennessee game.

Also on the show this week, we talk more about McTelvin Agim, off the field issues, preseason practice notes, and the new white uniforms and cleats that the Razorbacks showed off on Twitter this week.

Going Ham is part of Razorback Sports Radio, which is part of the VSporto network. Check out all the shows on the RSR lineup. It’s a great place for all things Razorback. Also, a big shout out to the Razorback Report and all their followers for the great conversations we’ve had on Facebook this past week.

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