Big Orange Report October 16, 2025

 

Vol offense saves the day

While the Tennessee defense and the defensive coordinator continue to struggle, the Big Orange offense once again put up enough points to prevail and post a victory over stubborn Arkansas.

The UT running game enjoyed a revival in the win, rushing for 264 yards including 146 on the ground for Desean Bishop who averaged 10.4 yards per carry. Quarterback Joey Aguilar continued his streak of 200 yard passing games with at least one touchdown throw. That makes 17 games in a row for Aguilar.  The Razorbacks decided to double cover Chris Brazzell so redshirt freshman Braylon Staley stepped up, big time. The elusive Staley caught six passes for 109 yards at key moments and tight end Miles Kitselman grabbed five aerials for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile the defense was once again hanging on for dear life. After struggling in their last game against the Notre Dame defense, Arkansas posted almost 500 yards of total offense and dominated the fourth quarter of the contest. The Vols' two leading tacklers were safeties Andre Turrentine and Edrees Farooq, combining for 20 total stops. That number is about all you need to know about the failures and problems with the Volunteer defense. The UT defense yielded 18 redzone touchdowns last autumn while the number is already at 17 this season.

Third Saturday in October

The Tennessee vs. Alabama rivalry played for the majority of the time on the Third Saturday in October has always been one of the South's marquee and most watched gridiron battles. The first game was played in Birmingham in 1901 and resulted in a 6-6 tie. The Crimson Tide has dominated the series under legendary coaches Bear Bryant {15 wins) and Nick Saban (15 wins). Tennessee's best decades were when Gen. R.R. Neyland (12 wins) and Phil Fulmer (11 wins) led the Big Orange program. Overall, the Tide has the all-time advantage with a record of 59-40-7 against the Vols. The annual tradition of the victory cigars was started in the 1950s by then Alabama trainer Jim Goostree. The teams break an NCAA rule when they fire up the stogies' after winning the game.

In 2022 Tennessee ended a 15-game losing streak that involved four different head coaches. A late field goal was the difference and Vol fans stormed the field and pulled down the goal posts. UT has now won two of the last three meetings after defeating the Tide last season, again in Knoxville.

Key Matchups

Line of Scrimmage-- Specifically, the offensive lines may hold the keys to the final outcome of this game. Both offenses want to stay ahead of the chains and not face six or more yards on third down situations. The Tide blockers have done a very good job of protecting former Martin Westview star Ty Simpson, the surprise player of the year in the SEC. Simpson is also appearing on some early lists for consideration for the Heisman Trophy.

The Vol offensive line has also been effective blocking for Joey Aguilar and Alabama's pass rush has been anemic with the least number of sacks (9) in the league so far this season. What the UT blockers need to do is improve their run slots so that the attack can be more balanced. Aguilar has only been sacked 4 times so far this fall. Again, Tide has recorded only nine sacks Tennessee leads the conference in sacks with 26.

Penalties, Kicking Game and Turnovers-- Alabama is the most penalized team in the league through six games. The Tide has been flagged 32 times thus far. Both quarterbacks have been accurate and careful with the football. Two of the picks that Aguilar has sustained were tipped balls that were catchable by his receivers. Mood shifting turnovers or key penalties that affect momentum could also be a factor in this game. Both squads have accomplished kickers and talented return men. A long kick return could be important for either team.

Watch for This

The middle of the field between the harsh marks will play a role in the outcome of this battle. The opposing linebackers and rovers will be looking to prevent easy completions in the middle of the field between the line of scrimmage and the safeties.

Also, this could be a bounce back game for Brazzell. As mentioned, Arkansas took him away with under and over coverage. He caught only one pass for five yards vs. the Hogs. If the Tide elects to play zone or single coverage, Brazzell will be ready to step up and star again for the Big Orange offense.  

Early line

The No. 6  ranked Crimson Tide opened as an 8.5 point favorite against No. 11 Tennessee. 

The Big Orange Report is brought to you by: