FAYETTEVILLE — Tennessee could not have scripted a better beginning to its Southeastern Conference showdown at Arkansas Saturday night.
The Volunteers rushed for 96 yards in the first quarter and their offense has controlled the tempo with long drives. The Vols’ ground game is clicking into high gear as Tennessee has a 13-0 lead at halftime.
Brent Cimaglia got the Big Orange on the scoreboard with a 50-yard field goal to make the score 3-0 with 9 minutes, 25 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
The Vols, who entered Saturday night’s game in the midst of a three-game losing streak, extended its advantage when Eric Gray capped a 16-play drive that consumed nearly eight-and-a-half minutes with a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
Arkansas was negated a scoring opportunity when kicker A.J. Reed missed a 21-yard field goal attempt later in the second frame.
Cimaglia kicked a 48-yard field goal with 1:57 remaining until halftime.
The Vols will kick off to start the second half.
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