The picks are in.
SEC play has arrived for Tennessee. After three straight blowout wins, things are now set to get real — and the open couldn’t be filled with better storylines. Josh Heupel returns to Norman, where he was a National Championship winning quarterback and an assistant coach. Heupel, who eventually became Oklahoma’s co-offensive coordinator, was fired in 2014.
Now he’s set to lead his sixth-ranked Volunteers back to Oklahoma, in what has to feel a little strange to him. Can he lead Tennessee to a win over his alma mater? Our picks are in.
Terry Lambert: Tennessee 37, Oklahoma 23
This one has been circled for months, for obvious reasons. Oklahoma’s first SEC matchup, Josh Heupel’s return, Nico’s first big-time road game — the storylines are abundant. And the narrative surrounding this game has changed after the first three weeks of play.
Tennessee has come out and looked every ounce of the part. The Volunteers blew the doors of both Chattanooga and Kent State, benching their starters early in both games. Tennessee also took apart NC State in Charlotte, making a big statement with their defensive front. Oklahoma? Well, it’s been a struggle. The Sooners nearly lost to Houston at home and struggled to put away a good Tulane team last week.
I think the difference in this one comes down to Oklahoma’s struggles on the offensive line. That’s a bad place to be against this deep, talented front. I think Tennessee has Jackson Arnold on the run all night long and they put it away at some point late in the third quarter.
Nick Carner: Tennessee 38, Oklahoma 27
Nico has looked poised and in control of the offense, but there’s no doubt he’s gonna see some looks from the Sooner defense he’s not seen before. I’m sure Heupel and Nico know that, but we’re just gonna have to see how he reacts when it happens.
The matchup to watch is UT’s DL vs. OU’s injury-riddled offensive line. I imagine the Sooners go hurry-up to try and keep Tennessee’s defense on the field and unable to substitute. I’d like to see another hi-octane game from the offense that enables Tennessee to get out to an early lead. Keeping Jackson Arnold in check could prove to be an issue, but the front-seven has the athleticism to keep an eye on him in the run game — I hope. This will be a closer game that many expect, but getting out of there with a win, is, well a win.
Craig Smith: Tennessee 34, Oklahoma 23
I feel like this is going to be (slightly) like NC State, at least as far the Vols not getting it going right out of the gate. OU jumps out to an early lead with some momentum, while the UT offense works to get its sea legs in a challenging environment. However, eventually, the Vols’ talent takes over. Nico and his pass catchers get in a rhythm to help sustain drives while the defensive line works over OU’s still-a-work-in-progress offensive line. Tennessee gets the dagger in the fourth quarter.
Matthew Seese: Tennessee 41, Oklahoma 31
Heupel vs. Venables; Nico vs. Arnold. This is about as high profile a game as you could ask for to kick off your time in the SEC if you’re Oklahoma. The headlines write themselves.
The difference in this game will be if Oklahoma can neutralize Tennessee’s ground game. They have to turn the Vols into one dimension on offense or they don’t have a chance, and based on my prediction, I don’t think they do it. These offenses will score, but I think it’s a late turnover in favor of the Vols, whether it be an interception or strip sack, that makes the difference and puts the game away.
Expect a big game from Dylan Sampson. He’s reached the century mark in all three games thus far, so look out for four in a row.
Connor Sexton: Tennessee 38, Oklahoma 24
Josh Heupel’s much-anticipated return to Norman has come, with many storylines and statlines to consider. Tennessee has not allowed an offensive touchdown in 16 straight quarters. That’s the third longest streak in school history. Tennessee’s stout defensive line has played a role in that statistic.
Oklahoma’s disadvantage is its offensive line, averaging only 4.3 yards per carry. Tennessee’s defensive line is elite and can cash in. But what if Oklahoma shuts down the run and forces Nico to throw? Early mistakes are possible. Can Nico stay poised, and recover when mistakes come? The run game no doubt will be a factor; as Tennessee boasts an impressive 24-2 record when rushing for at least 200 yards in a game.
Oklahoma has some key players possibly returning from injury, such as som recievers and O-lineman Branson Hickman. But Tennessee is talented in many positions and is poised to make a big statement. However, Heupel’s teams have generally had a hard time on the road. People point to the blowout win at LSU a few years ago, but that was a different circumstance.
The fumbled kickoff deflated the crowd. It never truly got loud for four whole quarters like it was at Georgia, South Carolina, or the Swamp. What makes this game different? Talent, leadership, or even more reasons?
As of yet this season, we have not seen the Vols get tested for an entire game. We don’t know how the team will respond until they are in that situation. Regardless, I fully expect Tennessee to win, pulling away in the fourth quarter. They are the more talented team and Heupel makes a statement.