GAME NOTES: A pair of evenly-matched SEC teams will collide in Knoxville this weekend as the 22nd-ranked Tennessee Vols host the Arkansas Razorbacks. Arkansas is clearly playing its best ball of the season, as the club has posted three straight victories to earn bowl eligibility at 6-3 overall. Last weekend, the Razorbacks knocked off South Carolina in a 48-36 final, and they have now scored 150 points in the last three outings. As for Tennessee, it also carries a 6-3 overall record into this weekend's clash and hopes to improve its bowl prospects. The last two outings for the Vols have resulted in wins, including a 59-7 romp over UL-Lafayette last weekend in a lopsided non-conference affair. Tennessee holds a commanding 12-3 series lead over Arkansas, but the Razorbacks rolled to a 31-14 victory in last season's meeting.

There is absolutely no question that the best duo of tailbacks in the nation can be found at Arkansas. Actually, not only are Darren McFadden and Felix Jones the best combo, they may even be the top two running backs individually. Both players are already over 1,000 yards for the season and bring a wide array of skills to the field. McFadden has rushed for 1,316 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he has thrown a pair of scoring passes as well. As for Jones, he has rushed for 1,026 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 110 carries, posting a staggering average of 9.3 yards per attempt. Considering that he has also returned a pair of kicks for touchdowns, Jones is more worthy of the Heisman Trophy than his much more hyped teammate. Quarterback Casey Dick isn't asked to do much for the offense, but he has thrown 13 touchdown passes. Arkansas is averaging 41.4 ppg and 473.0 total ypg, including 315.8 ypg on the ground. Against South Carolina last weekend, McFadden exploded for 323 rushing yards while Jones added 174, both of which were career-high totals. Arkansas finished with 541 rushing yards as a team, the second-best mark in program history and the most for an SEC team against an SEC opponent. McFadden's effort also marked an SEC single-game record.

Opponents are scoring 21.6 ppg against Arkansas, which is yielding 344.6 total ypg. The defense has surrendered 147.2 rushing ypg and 197.3 passing ypg. With 15 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and 19 sacks, there have been a number of big plays made by the Hogs. Matt Hewitt leads the defense with 83 total tackles, and he has forced a pair of fumbles. As for Jerell Norton, he has recorded five interceptions. In the victory over South Carolina, Arkansas allowed 489 yards and failed to record a single interception or fumble recovery. The Gamecocks totaled 36 points, but while the defense did not play well, the unit was bailed out by McFadden, Jones and company.

Tennessee is scoring 34.3 ppg this season to go along with 410.9 total ypg, strong numbers for a balanced offense. The Vols have 17 rushing scores and 17 passing touchdowns, proof of that balance. The ground attack boasts an average of 4.8 yards per carry, and Arian Foster is the top ground gainer with 800 yards and 11 touchdowns. As for the passing game, Erik Ainge is both experienced and talented at the quarterback position. Through nine games, Ainge has completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 2,138 yards and 15 touchdowns with only five interceptions. His tops receiver has been Lucas Taylor, who has made 52 grabs for 741 yards and three scores. In the romp over UL-Lafayette last week, Ainge completed 16-of-23 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown. Foster ran for 100 yards and two scores, while fellow tailback Lennon Creer managed 109 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries.

Opponents are scoring 28.6 ppg against Tennessee, which is yielding 412.4 total ypg. Obviously, the defense has been far from dominant, but the unit seems to be much stronger now than at the beginning of the season. Stopping the run has certainly been a problem area, as Tennessee is permitting 4.5 yards per carry. Facing arguably the best rushing team in the nation, expect the Vols to have their hands full. The play against the pass hasn't been much better, as opponents have logged 14 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Rico McCoy leads Tennessee with 72 total tackles, and Robert Ayers has 8.5 TFLs. The defense faced a weak UL-Lafayette offense last weekend and made the most of the opportunity, limiting the Ragin' Cajuns to seven points with the help of a pair of interceptions.

Although this game is being played in Knoxville, the edge has to go to Arkansas. The Razorbacks will pound Darren McFadden and Felix Jones against the weak run defense of the Vols with great success.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Arkansas 37, Tennessee 27