# SEC Football: Tennessee Volunteers Defeats Arkansas Razorbacks 24-17

**Published:** 2026-10-10 — **By:** Stacy Stanfield
**Category:** games — **Type:** game-recap
**Source:** https://secscouts.com/news/sec-football-tennessee-volunteers-defeats-arkansas-razorbacks-24-17

**Teams:** [Arkansas](https://secscouts.com/arkansas/), [Tennessee](https://secscouts.com/tennessee/)


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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (10/08/2026) — The Tennessee Volunteers went on the road Thursday night and beat the Arkansas Razorbacks 24-17 at Razorback Stadium. Tennessee gained more yards than Arkansas and overcame three turnovers to win a one-score SEC game in prime time.

Tennessee outgained Arkansas 414 to 288 and ran 20 first downs to the Razorbacks' 15. The Volunteers won comfortably on yardage, but the scoreboard stayed close all night because of their giveaways.

## How It Happened

Tennessee moved the ball well on the ground and through the air. The Volunteers ran for 167 yards and threw for 247, so the Arkansas defense had to defend both all game. Quarterback George MacIntyre completed 18 of 29 passes, and the Volunteers' 247 passing yards nearly matched Arkansas' 288 total yards by themselves.

Cooper Ranvier led Tennessee with 6 points, and Trent Thomas added a touchdown. Together they helped Tennessee build the 24 points it needed to leave Fayetteville with a win.

Arkansas kept pace by controlling the clock. The Razorbacks held the ball for 32:04 to Tennessee's 27:56. They ran for 133 yards and completed 15 of 27 passes for 155 yards. Braylen Russell scored a touchdown for Arkansas, and Max Gilbert added 5 points to the Razorbacks' 17.

Each defense recorded a sack. Xavier Gilliam brought down the Arkansas quarterback for Tennessee, and Quincy Rhodes Jr. got to the quarterback for the Razorbacks.

## Turning Point

This game came down to two numbers pulling in opposite directions: turnovers and efficiency.

Tennessee lost the turnover battle 3-1, which usually costs a team the game in the SEC, especially on the road. Each giveaway gave Arkansas a chance to change the momentum. The Razorbacks also had the edge in time of possession.

Tennessee made up for it by gaining more yards per possession. The Volunteers converted four third downs to Arkansas' two, which kept their drives alive and let them finish with 126 more total yards despite having the ball for about four fewer minutes. In the end, the Razorbacks could not overcome how often Tennessee produced yards and points when it held onto the ball. Seven points was the final margin, and Tennessee's advantage in total yards accounts for most of the difference.

## Star of the Game

**George MacIntyre, Tennessee** — MacIntyre threw for 247 yards on 18-of-29 passing, and his production made up most of the Volunteers' offense. His throws kept the Arkansas defense from focusing on Tennessee's 167-yard rushing attack, and that balance carried the Volunteers' offense all night.

Cooper Ranvier also deserves credit. He led Tennessee with 6 points and was the Volunteers' top individual scorer in a game where every point mattered.

## What It Means

For Tennessee, a road win in the SEC is valuable in any season. This one also shows the Volunteers can win even when they lose the turnover battle. Three giveaways will be a priority for Tennessee to fix in practice. Still, the offense's 414 yards against an SEC defense in a hostile stadium is a strong result, and the 4-for-3rd-down conversion rate shows the offense can extend drives under pressure.

For Arkansas, the loss will be frustrating because the Razorbacks won the turnover battle and controlled the clock, which often leads to a win. Arkansas had just two third-down conversions and finished with 288 total yards, so the offense could not take full advantage of the extra possessions. Russell and Gilbert both scored, and Rhodes made a sack on defense, but Arkansas fell one score short against a Tennessee offense that kept gaining yards.

Both teams now turn to the rest of their 2026 SEC schedules. Tennessee leaves Fayetteville with a hard-fought conference road win. Arkansas will look to turn its ball security and ball control into points next time out.

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*Original article: [SEC Football: Tennessee Volunteers Defeats Arkansas Razorbacks 24-17](https://secscouts.com/news/sec-football-tennessee-volunteers-defeats-arkansas-razorbacks-24-17) — SEC Scouts*