Sam Pittman credits Arkansas defense for upset victory over Tennessee

Madness in the SEC was extended to Fayetteville in primetime, seeing Arkansas take down No. 4 Tennessee. Another signature win for head coach Sam Pittman as fans stormed the field around him and his team. Just what the Razorbacks needed after a few close, heartbreaking losses.

A few things went right for Arkansas but Pittman gave a ton of credit to his defense. Tennessee, led by Nico Iamaleava, was thought to be one of the better units in college football but Arkansas held them throughout the game, especially in the fourth quarter.

“What a great couple drives there at the end,” Pittman said. “The defense ended up keeping us in it. At the end, won the game for us. So proud for the kids, the coaches, these folks… T-Will (Defensive coordinator Travis Williams) and the guys had them ready to play. They played hard the entire night.”

Turnovers have been a big problem for Arkansas, even if their -2 difference does not seem too bad. Heading into Saturday night, the Hogs had given the ball up nine times in four games — not a recipe for success for any team.

Pittman believes if the turnover margin is even in any game, they would have a chance of winning. None were coughed up by either team, proving Pittman’s theory right.

“We didn’t turn the football over nor did they,” Pittman said. “But I said it — If we are the same in turnovers as anybody in the country, we can play with them. Tonight, we proved it.”

Being interviewed in the middle of a field storming has to be a pretty good feeling for a head coach. Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek might not be happy with the fine the SEC sends their way but Pittman was quite honest, saying he does not care.

“I think the AD is going to be mad,” Pittman said. “Or maybe he won’t be, I don’t know. Right now, I don’t care. Go Hogs, go Hogs, baby.”