Non-conference play is *mostly* over for the Oklahoma Sooners. Now in the SEC, they’ll play a fourth non-conference game, though that’ll come in the midst of conference play. Back in the Big 12, the Sooners would have played three non-conference games and then began conference play — which would have run through the rest of their schedule.
For the Sooners’ contest against the Volunteers, Oklahoma enters a home game as more than a 7-point underdog for the first time since 1998. The Sooners are entering unknown territory, but it makes sense. Oklahoma wasn’t all that incredible, and the offense simply didn’t look good during the non-conference slate.
When the program defeated Temple 51-3, the offense was far from flashy. From there, they were supposed to open the playbook, and that resulted in the Sooners playing both Houston and Tulane close on their home field.
OU Football set to improve vs. Tennessee
It’s quite a bold statement to claim the Sooners are going to improve now that they’re hosting the No. 6 team in the nation. There was an improvement in Week 3, though. The Sooners found more success offensively than they had prior.
The offensive line might have found a rhythm against Tulane, and true sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold seems to be getting more comfortable. How the team will significantly improve isn’t the Sooners outscoring the Volunteers, though.
Oklahoma’s defense has been stout through three games. Playing Tennessee on their home field, the Sooners will have to rally behind their defense, and the offense can use the opportunities given to them to build a lead. A strong showing from fans at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium will help the defense put together an incredible showing.
Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been elite through the start of his season, but he hasn’t played a defense like Oklahoma’s nor an environment like the Sooners can offer.
With College GameDay rolling into Norman, the Sooners’ offensive line will have to be stout. Arnold will have to play an elite game and have a breakthrough. But the opportunity to upset the Volunteers is certainly there.
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