NEED TO KNOW
Scoring in Bunches
Tennessee enters this weekend's contest against the Razorbacks as the only team in the FBS averaging more than 50 points per game (51.0). The Big Orange have scored over 40 points in five straight games for the first time in program history and have tallied 33 total touchdowns - 29 offensive and four defensive. The four defensive scores rank second in the FBS and tops in the Power Four (Louisiana Tech, 5).
Josh Heupel's teams have ranked in the top 12 in scoring offense in seven out of his eight seasons as a head coach dating back to his time at UCF. UT's 255 total points are its most through the first five games of a season in modern era history (since 1933). In the Heupel era (57 games, 2021-present), the Vols are averaging 39.3 points per game and 479.3 yards per game. Those marks rank second and fourth, respectively, in the FBS during that span.
Success Following Open Dates
Under Heupel, UT is 4-1 following an open date and has outscored its opponents 147-105 in such instances. The Vols will look to avenge their only loss after an open date under Heupel this Saturday against the Hogs after falling on the road to Arkansas, 19-14, last season.
Causing Havoc
Tennessee's defense is among the nation's best at disrupting offenses and making plays in the opponent's backfield. Entering Saturday's game, the Big Orange lead the FBS with 4.2 sacks per game. UT's 21 total sacks this year are tied for the SEC lead with Oklahoma and tied for second in the nation behind Western Michigan's 23. The Vols have recorded at least three sacks in every game this season and also rank third in the SEC with 41 tackles for loss.
Aguilar Continues to Shine
UT's offense continues to roll along thanks in large part to the impressive play of first-year quarterback Joey Aguilar. The veteran signal caller ranks among the SEC leaders in numerous statistical categories, including ranking second in the league in passing yards (1,459) and passing touchdowns (13). The Antioch, California native has thrown for 200 or more yards in all 29 of his career starts and is the FBS active leader in career passing yards per game (274.0) and total offense per game (291.0).