Arkansas Razorbacks Triumph Over Tennessee: In a historic clash, the No. 10 Razorbacks secured a convincing win against the No. 12 Tennessee, marking Arkansas’ first triumph in Knoxville in nine seasons. This victory, achieved on the Vols’ home court, was a significant milestone for head coach Jason Watson, who took the reins of the Hogs in 2016.
With this win, the Razorbacks boast an impressive 18-2 record for the season, marking the best-ever 20-game stretch in program history. Maintaining an unblemished 8-0 record in conference play, Arkansas has demonstrated resilience with a 2-2 record against ranked opponents, with its only losses to No. 1 Wisconsin.
Senior Taylor Head emerged as a standout player for the Hogs, delivering a career night with a personal-best 24 kills on 58 swings, showcasing a .362 hitting percentage. Head’s exceptional performance also included 21 digs, securing a double-double and marking her 12th of the season.
Junior setter Hannah Hogue contributed significantly with a double-double, amassing 49 assists and an impressive 28 digs, the highest number of digs in a match by any Razorback this season. Hogue also contributed two of Arkansas’ four aces during the night.
Set 1: The opening set saw a closely contested battle, with both teams showing resilience. Arkansas broke through with a 4-0 run, featuring three kills from Jill Gillen, to secure a 10-6 lead. Despite the Vols’ efforts, the Hogs maintained their lead, with the score tied multiple times. In the end, the Vols edged out the Razorbacks, finishing the set 27-25.
Set 2: Arkansas took control early in the second set, establishing a 10-5 lead. The Vols narrowed the gap, but the Hogs showcased composure, embarking on a decisive run to claim the set 25-16, leveling the match. The Razorbacks’ offense demonstrated efficiency, hitting .256 compared to the Vols’ .045.
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Set 3: Arkansas found better tempo in the third set, seizing a 7-3 lead. Although the Vols mounted a comeback, the Razorbacks regrouped, securing a 25-22 victory. Despite Tennessee’s efforts, the Hogs maintained their rhythm, with Taylor Head delivering a crucial kill to seal the set.
Set 4: The fourth set saw the two teams trading points, with Arkansas maintaining a lead. Tennessee kept the margin close until the midway point, but a series of successful plays from the Razorbacks, including kills from Head and Cartwright, secured a 25-20 victory, clinching the match 3-1.
Arkansas looks to continue its successful road trip with another challenging matchup against No. 20 Kentucky in Lexington on Sunday. The noon showdown will be broadcast live on SEC Network.
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Our Reader’s Queries
How did Arkansas lose to Tennessee in 1998?
Billy Ratliff, a defensive tackle, shoved Arkansas’s offensive guard, Brandon Burlsworth, right into the quarterback, Clint Stoerner. This caused Stoerner to lose his footing and drop the ball. Ratliff then snagged the loose ball, giving Tennessee the opportunity to advance down the field and clinch the victory with a game-winning touchdown.
Why did the Razorbacks change their name?
In 1909, the football team had an undefeated 7-0 season, with an impressive defense that only allowed 18 points and an offense that scored 186 points. The renowned College Football Hall of Fame coach Hugo Bezdek famously described his team as playing “like a wild band of razorback hogs”. This catchy description gained so much popularity that it led to a name change for the 1910 season.
What were the Razorbacks originally called?
The name quickly became popular with students, and in 1910 they voted to change the school’s official mascot from the Cardinals to the Razorbacks. The Razorbacks are now considered one of the most distinctive mascots in college athletics.
Why is Arkansas mascot a hog?
Following the team’s fifth consecutive win, defeating LSU in Memphis to kick off the 1909 football season, coach Hugo Bezdek addressed a crowd of supporters at the train station. He praised the team’s performance, likening it to that of a “wild band of razorback hogs.” This nickname caught on, leading to a transition from the previous team name, “Cardinals” (which remains the school color), to “Razorbacks.”