This season was never going to be a smooth ride for Josh Heupel. He came out strong after the first two games, and then took a hit from Georgia. After that clash, the Vols have found their rhythm once again, with 2 more wins. But as the team prepares during the bye week, Tennessee was dealt a surprise development that put the SEC on notice. And now, there’s a little concern for Heupel and Co. as they prepare for their next game.

Now that Bobbby Petrino has taken over Arkansas football, he sure is making himself known at Fayetteville once again. The interim HC has done away with the top defensive staff. So, until October 12, Josh Heupel will have no idea how to prepare against the Hogs defense. In fact, all of Arkansas’ next opponents will be waiting for this game to play out, to see how Petrino shapes this side of the ball. The defense will now be led by Chris Wilson, who was formerly the assistant defensive line coach.

Sam Pittman’s firing was not a surprise for anyone. But Bobby Petrino firing the defensive staff as interim HC makes you do a double-take. It’s now forced Heupel to literally expect the unexpected and prepare for everything possible. Arkansas’s poor defense was something the Vols were hoping to take advantage of. It is among the bottom 20 in the country in total defense, giving up 425 yards per game. Now, Tennessee’s plans are up in the air, leaving no option but to cover all its bases. “I think you’ve got to look at some of what they’ve done and be prepared for that, but also go back and look at things that Chris has done historically. So, it’s a balancing act of all of that,” he said.

Chris Wilson might prove to be the spark that Arkansas’ defense needs. He was the DC of the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL before coming back to college football. And, he’s won a Super Bowl ring as part of the coaching staff for Philadelphia in 2017. Wilson has also been a DC for Colorado and Mississippi State in the past. This is not his first rodeo, but it sure is a trying time for Wilson. Arkansas’ defense is in a crisis, and it’ll be facing an offense that’s ranked 7 best in the country. Josh Heupel will have to learn Wilson’s strategies, in addition to what Arkansas can throw at them, before their clash.

“I think it will be important for us schematically, one to communicate, two to adjust on the field,” he’d added. Tennessee had lost last year’s matchup with Arkansas. The last time the Vols defeated the Hogs was back in 2001. If this is the case with Heupel having knowledge about Arkansas’ defense, it gets even more risky when he doesn’t. Heupel is also preparing against a strong Arkansas offense. At the moment, that’s the only clear picture he has of his upcoming opponent.

Josh Heupel is readying Tennessee for Arkansas’ offense

Arkansas’ offense looks brutal since Petrino took charge of the unit. In the Ole Miss game, the Razorbacks passed and rushed for more yards than the Rebels. That’s the potential the Razorbacks offense is going to line up on the field with. Bobby Petrino has one of the most promising QBs in the SEC in Taylen Green. He’s an absolute weapon, since he’s hauled in a whopping total of 10,413 yards (all-purpose). Though the rushing attack quietened a little against Notre Dame, Heupel knows this is an area Arkansas will definitely capitalize.

“I think you’ve got to be ready to handle the run game. And with who they have now (Taylen Green), the quarterback run game as well can be a huge part of what they decide to do,” Heupel said about Petrino’s strategy. Taylen Green leads the rushing attack of Arkansas football, putting 441 yards on the ground. Starting RB Mike Washington Jr. follows close with 393. Taylen Green is going to be a serious threat for Vols defense, which has got to keep its guard up.

Tennessee is staring at an unknown when it comes to the Arkansas defense. There’s no telling on how this unit will perform, until gameday. But Heupel might be in for an upset loss even, considering the threat that’s also looming from the Hogs’ offense. Yes, the Razorbacks are struggling at the moment. But that doesn’t mean they can’t deliver a shock when needed.