OU Football’s Defense Could Set Tone vs. Tennessee

The No. 15-ranked Oklahoma Sooners are set to take on the No. 6-ranked Tennessee Volunteers in a highly-touted Week 4 matchup on Saturday. The evening primetime game will mark history for OU’s program as they’ll play their first contest as a member of the SEC.

With ESPN’s College GameDay rolling into Norman, the energy around the campus is buzzing with the matchup looming. Former National Championship-winning Sooners quarterback Josh Huepel and his talented Volunteers team will be ready to roll, and the Sooners are the underdog despite playing on their home field.

OU’s defense to set tone vs. Tennessee

Oklahoma has had some offensive concerns early in their season. It’s even more worrisome when realizing those woes have come against Houston and Tulane. Time might be needed, though, as Jackson Arnold has freshly taken over the offense as a true sophomore. The wide receiver corps and offensive line have dealt with injuries.

Who knows — maybe with some injury returnees, the Sooners can find more success on the offensive side of the ball. Still, Oklahoma will make their money with the production of their defense. With Tennessee rolling into town with offensive success, redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava hasn’t seen a defense as talented as the Sooners’.

For Oklahoma, putting pressure on the young quarterback and getting him out of his rhythm early will be key to keeping this game close. The Sooners are unlikely to outscore the Volunteers, even if Arnold does help Oklahoma’s offense to a big game. So, the defense keeping applied pressure on Iamaleava and forcing Tennessee into mistakes will be what keeps this game close.

Playing in Norman isn’t necessarily an easy task. There will be a rowdy ~80,ooo fans adding pressure and backing up Oklahoma’s defense, fueled by a day of celebration with GameDay in town. Success at all three levels on defense could truly turn the tide in this game and help Oklahoma put up a big fight against the No. 6 team in the land.

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Follow Kade Kimble on Twitter.