(Photo: IMDb)
Campus Clash
(18) Oklahoma Sooners at (14) Tennessee Volunteers
Oklahoma (6–2):
They’re lucky they lost that game by only eight points — it could’ve been much worse. I was really disappointed with how they played on Saturday afternoon at home. They could never take command or control of the football game. This is an offense that can score with the best of them and turn the game into a track meet when necessary. Credit to the Ole Miss Rebels — they kept their foot on the gas and attacked whenever the opportunity presented itself. I’ll admit, I didn’t know what to expect going into this matchup. The Ole Miss offense was facing, in my opinion, the best defense in the SEC. That’s how highly I’ve thought of Brent Venables’ unit. But as I always say, the best way to attack a stingy defense is to either run the ball right at them or use the quick passing game to neutralize the pass rush — meaning it won’t matter much if the ball’s already out. Since John Mateer returned to the lineup, the Sooners have lost two of their last three games, including a clunker to the Texas Longhorns in the Red River rivalry. This Saturday night, the Sooners travel to Knoxville for a very important football game.
Tennessee (6–2):
This is a team that had won three straight after the Georgia loss. Realistically, they could be undefeated if they had just closed the door against the Bulldogs in Week 3 — but they fell short in overtime. In the annual “Third Saturday in October” showdown against Alabama, they tied the game before the Crimson Tide took full control. I can’t say enough about this Tennessee offense under Josh Heupel. If you love high-powered, “video game–like” attacks, this is your team. Joey Aguilar has been one of the top quarterbacks not just in the SEC, but in the nation. If the Volunteers were undefeated, I truly believe he’d be in the Heisman conversation. Against Kentucky, this passing attack showed why it’s one of the best in the country. At one point, Aguilar had over 270 passing yards on just seven of his biggest throws. That said, I wasn’t too impressed with the Vols’ defense against Kentucky — they allowed too many big plays. This weekend, Tennessee returns home for a showdown with the Oklahoma Sooners.
Oklahoma X-Factor: Isaiah Sategna III
I paid close attention to this kid on Saturday against Ole Miss — and what a game he had. What Isaiah brought to Arkansas is exactly what he’s added to this Sooners offense: reliability on the outside. He’s quick, decisive, and explosive after the catch. He has the hands, the physicality, and the toughness that’ll translate to the next level.
Tennessee X-Factor: Star Thomas
He’s been just as vital to this offense as Joey Aguilar and Chris Brazzell Jr. on the perimeter. I see some Le’Veon Bell in Star’s game — patient, then explosive through the lanes. He’s also a dual threat who can catch the football out of the backfield and impact the game as a receiver. I’m looking forward to seeing how he’s used against this stingy Oklahoma defense.
Final Thoughts
This is the first of many elimination games. The winner keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive, while the loser will likely be eliminated from contention with a third loss. Tennessee hung 56 points on Kentucky in Lexington, while Oklahoma was stunned by Ole Miss. In this matchup, the Sooners will face a relentless Volunteers pass rush — protecting John Mateer will be the top priority. Tennessee’s defense brings pressure from multiple looks, so the Sooners must keep their composure and win the turnover battle. Defensively, Oklahoma needs to regroup. This is a much better offense than the one they faced in Week 9. Keeping everything in front of them and maintaining momentum will be key. For Tennessee, use your offensive firepower to full advantage: sustain drives, convert third downs, and avoid giving the ball back to the Sooners. Defensively, tighten up — if Kentucky could hit deep shots, Oklahoma certainly can too. Managing tempo and field position will also be critical. Oklahoma’s defense was exposed by Ole Miss, and Tennessee will look to capitalize. I like the home team in this one on Saturday night.
