DeSean Bishop runs for 146 yards and a TD to lead No. 12 Tennessee past Arkansas, 34-31

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — DeSean Bishop ran for a career-high 146 yards and a touchdown to lead No. 12 Tennessee to a 34-31 victory over Arkansas on Saturday in the Razorbacks' first game since coach Sam Pittman was fired.

The Volunteers (5-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) got 221 yards passing and a touchdown from Joey Aguilar. Peyton Lewis rushed for two touchdowns.

“We had to find a way to win,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. “(With three defensive coaches added) we didn't know what (Arkansas') defensive structure would look like.”

Under interim coach Bobby Petrino, Arkansas (2-4, 0-2) lost three fumbles and Taylen Green was sacked five times. Mike Washington rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown. Tennessee was flagged for 10 penalties for 78 yards. Green threw for 256 yards and two TDs and ran for 63 yards and a score.

“When things aren't going good, there's been times you turn the other way and give in a little bit,” Petrino said. “(The Razorbacks) showed tremendous grit, tremendous toughness and pride in each other.”

Tied 17-17 at halftime, the Vols scored 17 straight points in the second half to gain some breathing room. Bishop sustained an injury to his right leg late in the third quarter. Lewis stepped in and scored his two TDs.

“You don't know when your time is coming,” Heupel said. “Peyton came through down the stretch.”

“It's the next-man-up mentality,” said Lewis. “(Bishop) goes down. You have to come in and play at the same level.”

Tennessee led by three with 6:06 left in the third quarter. Arkansas had the ball on the Tennessee 26, fourth-and-3. Instead of a field goal, Petrino chose to go for the first down. An incomplete pass ended the drive.

“We went into the game saying, ‘We’re going to be real aggressive,'" Petrino said. “We're going to have to go score some points. (I'm) mad about not kicking the field goal. (I) kick myself in the head all the time for that one.”

With Arkansas down 17 early in the fourth quarter, Green hit Rohan Jones and Kam Shanks on touchdown throws to narrow the gap to three.

The takeaway

Arkansas: Still reeling from the coaching purge of a couple weeks ago, the Razorbacks are trying to get on track in time to avoid a total lost season. … Getting a feel for a new defensive leadership will take some time, something a tough SEC schedule doesn’t allow. … If Green continues to improve at quarterback, he will give Arkansas an opportunity to make an impact.

Tennessee: If the Vols are going to make a statement in the SEC over the next few weeks — facing Alabama, Kentucky and Oklahoma — their run defense needs to improve. … While Tennessee’s offense has shown flashes of quality running the football, Bishop, Lewis and Star Thomas need to establish themselves as legitimate weapons that are able to grind out a victory.

Up next

Arkansas: Hosts Texas A&M on Saturday.

Tennessee: At Alabama on Saturday.

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