The Tennessee Vols took a trip to Norman, Oklahoma on September 21 to welcome the Oklahoma Sooners to the Southeastern Conference. The Sooners were hospitable hosts, sending the Volunteers back to Knoxville with a 25-15 victory. The game was a physical battle throughout with the Sooners closing the scoring gap in the later part of the 4th quarter after Tennessee had jumped out to a commanding lead.
Tennessee amassed 345 total yards of offense while Oklahoma managed only 222 yards. The game was marred by turnovers by both teams, each fumbling twice and Oklahoma throwing an interception. The hard hitting of both squads likely had something to do with the numerous turnovers. Tennessee’s running game allowed the Vols to control the tempo of the game for three quarters and build a comfortable lead. For the game, the Vols rushed for 151 tough yards compared to Oklahoma’s 36 total yards of rushing. But the Sooners began completing passes late in the game and quickly closed the gap in the score. Oklahoma’s freshman quarterback, Michael Hawkins, Jr., energized the Sooners offense in the fourth quarter leading them to two touchdowns. Fortunately for the Vols, it was too little too late for the home team.
The Vol defense played a great game for three quarters and a good game overall. The defensive line was stout and really set the tone of the game. Tennessee’s kicking game was an asset, with kicker Max Gilbert connecting on all three field goal attempts and both extra points while punter Jackson Ross averaged over 48 yards on 8 punts. The Vol offense hit a big 66-yard touchdown pass and ran the ball well enough to keep the ball for more than 35 minutes of game time. The fourth quarter comeback by the Sooners provoked some angst for this Vol fan. I am reminded that every SEC team has good athletes and when a team gets rolling, anything can happen. Tennessee left the field with a win in a difficult place to get a road victory. Coach Heupel’s return to his alma mater on the opposing sideline provided him with a happy conclusion with the Vol win! Now, the Vols get a week off before hitting the road again with a visit to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Hopefully, the rest will give players and coaches a chance to catch their breath from the opening weeks of the season and prepare for a difficult stretch of games beginning with the Razorbacks.