As we get deeper into the conference schedules of each conference, bad blood and revenge is sure to hang in the air. Originating from season ruining upsets or close game top ten losses, these matchups have some backstory that is sure to show itself this weekend, while another matchup with a sparse history reignites.

The #12 Tennessee looks to exact revenge on the 2-3 University of Arkansas for their upset over the Vols just a year ago. The Razorbacks and senior quarterback Taylen Green upset the Vols 19-14 in October last season, and they will look to do it again as the Vols look to correct last season’s results.

The #7 Indiana Hoosiers travel to Eugene, Oregon to take on the #3 Oregon Ducks in a matchup that has not been played since 2004 when the Hoosiers won 30-24. Both teams feature top quarterbacks in the nation who orchestrate their offenses.

*All stats and standings are pulled from https://www.espn.com/college-football/stats, https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs.* 

Revenge a year in the making

The Tennessee Vols welcomes the Arkansas Razorback into Neyland Stadium on Saturday as the 4-1 Vols look to set things straight following an upset loss to the Razorbacks just last season. In that game, the Arkansas defense held Tennessee to their lowest points total of that entire season as they are out grinded the Vols all the way to the end.

A major component of that Arkansas team, Green, continues to make plays for the team as he faces a Tennessee team looking for revenge. Many players on this year’s team remember the embarrassment that they faced in last season’s loss and will look to ensure it does not happen again.

Starting senior quarterback Joey Aguilar was not with the team for the historic loss but will surely put forth the extra efforts for his teammates.

Arkansas sits in a place of turmoil right now, as they recently fired head coach Sam Pittman and replaced him with offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. Petrino was the team’s head coach in 2008 and was with the team til 2011. He returned to the team as the offensive coordinator in 2023. Petrino now returns to the role of head coach, now interim, and was unchallenged in his bid for the role.

Will the Razorbacks get a boost from an old legend, or will the Vols be victorious in their revenge?

I will take the Vols to get their revenge this time.

Vols win 31-27

A new Big 10 classic

Oregon and Indiana meet for the first time since 2004 this Saturday as both teams will fight to keep their spot in the top ten.

Both teams come into week seven undefeated with big wins on their schedule. The Ducks with an overtime win over Penn State, and the Hoosiers with a win over #17 Illinois.

Junior quarterback Dante Moore leads Oregon. Moore, previously a five-star prospect, spent a season at UCLA before transferring to Oregon in his sophomore season. Moore continues to impress each week, with his biggest showing coming on the biggest stage of the Penn State White Out game. The game saw Moore complete 29 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. However, Moore is not the only big-time arm in this game.

Indiana starting junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza also flaunts quiet the arm talent as he leads the Hoosiers on another successful campaign led by head coach Curt Cignetti. A transfer from Cal, Mendoza lights up all areas of the field with pinpoint accuracy and NFL arm strength. Mendoza passed his first test as well as he lit up the Fighting Illini with five touchdowns at a 91 percent completion rate.

Neither quarterback will wow you with their legs on Saturday, but expect to see many pass attempts. If you like to see the ball aired out, then you will love this matchup.

However, I will trust an Oregon roster led by Dan Lanning and chock full of five-star talent to come away with the win at home on Saturday.

Ducks win 35-24