The Oklahoma Sooners are going on the road this week to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in a game that holds big-time College Football Playoff implications for both teams. A win keeps both Oklahoma and Tennessee alive in the playoff race ahead of Tuesday’s initial rankings release. A loss for either team and they’re playing for bowl positioning the rest of the way.
Like last week, this week’s game against the Volunteers pits Oklahoma’s defense against one of the best offenses in the nation. It’s a tough matchup against their old quarterback and offensive coordinator, Josh Heupel. The Sooners’ defense has to have a rebound performance after struggling to slow down Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss last week.
Additionally, the Sooners need a complete performance from their offense. Tennessee’s defense can be scored on. Can Ben Arbuckle, John Mateer, and the offense take advantage of that reality? Are we in for a shootout on Saturday night? Here’s a look at this week’s Sooners Wire Staff Predictions.
Sooners Need Big Defensive Performance
Tennessee’s only two losses of the season have come against two of the best five or 10 teams in the country, and the Volunteers nearly won both, anyway. Oklahoma, while better than last year, doesn’t have the offensive oomph to keep up in a track meet. The Sooners’ best chance lies in their elite defense slowing down a top-five offense. On the road, that’s especially tough.
Tennessee 28, Oklahoma 20
Eric Bolin, Sooners Wire Contributor
Sooners Can Win
After struggling to overall contain Ole Miss’ offense last week, Oklahoma gets a statistically better one this week against Tennessee. Something tells me Brent Venables didn’t like being out-dueled by Lane Kiffin, and I think he’ll come out swinging against Josh Heupel. The Volunteers will score, but if the Sooners are better on third and…
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