You could tell how much Bret Bielema wanted this game.

The Arkansas coach was emotional during a post-game interview and even more emotional to his players in the locker room. He talked about resiliency and toughness — the things he has tried to brand this Razorbacks team with but have so far not produced winning results.

But finally, in a game dubbed by many as the “Desperation Bowl,” Bielema and the Razorbacks left relieved with a 24-20 win at Tennessee. There are still issues with Arkansas, sure, but you wouldn’t be able to tell after seeing how relieved the team was after this one.

5 TAKEAWAYS

Questionable coaching decision doesn’t cost Razorbacks: Bielema won his first SEC road game with the Razorbacks calling for a fake field goal that failed when three points could have put them up by a touchdown. Overall, the Arkansas game plan was pretty good, but that call could have been costly.

Alex Collins is stepping up: We knew the running back was talented enough to carry a team after his freshman year. But Collins (154 rushing yards, two touchdowns) truly carried Arkansas to a win at Neyland Stadium.

Rush defense makes adjustments: Tennessee RB Jalen Hurd ran wild (90 rushing yards) over Arkansas in the first half. But Bielema made adjustments in halftime and limited Hurd to just one more, while the defense only allowed three total points in the third and fourth quarters.

Brandon Allen showed improvement, but needs to tighten things up: Allen looked good throwing on the run, especially to Hunter Henry and Drew Morgan. But the quarterback still looked shaky with a short field, especially on a bad overthrow to Henry in the end zone late in the game.

Razorbacks show resiliency: While Tennessee has had its own problems, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Arkansas packed things in after falling behind 14-0 on the road. But good on the Razorbacks for sticking to Bielema’s plana and coming back to win the game.

REPORT CARD

Offense: B — Allen and his unit looked good advancing the ball, even from bad field position, but had trouble finishing a few drives.

Defense: B+ — The defense overcame an early hole and LB Josh Williams’ injury to limit Tennessee to 90 total yards in the second half.

Special Teams: C- — The fake field goal wasn’t executed well, and the kickoff team was exposed on Eric Berry’s opening return touchdown.

Coaching: B- — The fake field goal still doesn’t make sense, and Bielema may have exposed Allen to too many hits, but it takes a solid coaching staff to motivate a team for a comeback road win.

Overall: B- — This is starting to look like the team that was poised to rise up the SEC West standings.

GAME PLAN

At this point, we know what kind of team Arkansas is. The offensive line and running backs carry the bulk of responsibility on offense, and the defense is trying to overcome injuries and late-game collapses to follow a “bend but don’t break” mold.

Bielema’s system really began to work in the second half, and you can’t help but think his plan all along was to surrender an early lead, only to choke the life out of Tennessee as the game progressed. The tight end sets overwhelmed Tennessee coach Butch Jones, and the Vols couldn’t seem to get the right personnel on the field when RB Rawleigh Williams III subbed in for Collins. The lack of touchdowns was somewhat concerning, but those will come for the Razorbacks should they continue to produce drives like the one that ended the first half.

GAME BALLS

  • RB Alex Collins: Williams had a better rushing average, but Collins established himself early and carried this team.
  • WR Drew Morgan: Caught five passes for 110 yards while being a dependable target for Allen.
  • DL Tevin Beanum: He made two tackles for loss that cost Tennessee 11 yards.

INJURY UPDATE

  • LB Josh Williams broke his leg in the third quarter.