The No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners (3-0) begin conference play against the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (3-0) in what will be the biggest game held in Norman in quite some time. The Volunteers have outscored their opponents 191-13 through three games, and undoubtedly look like an early national championship contender, led by redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava.
What to watch for:
Something’s Gotta Give
Oklahoma’s defense comes into this game allowing just 11.33 points per game. Tennessee is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 63.7 points per game. Their competition has not been the best, but they are steamrolling the teams that are put in front of them, and Iamaleava looks like an early Heisman Trophy candidate.
I expect head coach Brent Venables to dial up some different blitzes in an attempt to fluster the young Tennesse quarterback into making mistakes, in what is expected to be an extremely hostile environment at The Palace.
Can Oklahoma play complementary football?
Many are expecting the Sooner defense to keep them in this game, but the defense can only do so much. The offense can’t take the field and go three-and-out every time. Oklahoma needs long drives that end in points and gives the defense a break. Also, if the defense forces a turnover in Tennessee territory, the offense has to capitalize.
The likely return of Nic Anderson and Andrel Anthony
Star wide receiver Nic Anderson, who has been out since fall camp, looks set to return. On top of that, Andrel Anthony, who has been out since an ACL tear in last season’s Red River Rivalry Game, is also expected to be back. This should be a huge boost to the Oklahoma offense that will now have two deep threats, and it should spark some confidence in quarterback Jackson Arnold
Final thoughts
This is the biggest game in Norman since when? 2016 vs No. 3 Ohio State? 2012 vs No. 5 Notre Dame? 2008 vs No. 2 Texas Tech? Exciting times are ahead, and I don’t think there is a better way to make the SEC debut than an absolute dog fight with the Tennessee Volunteers.
Prediction
Oklahoma 31, Tennessee 27.
