After a dominant 3-0 start to the season, Tennessee football heads to Norman to face No. 15 Oklahoma in its SEC opener on Saturday night.
Each week, Rocky Top Insider will take you behind the scenes with a question and answer with a media member who covers Tennessee’s opponent.
This week, The Oklahoman‘s Sooners columnist Joe Mussatto talks about what went wrong for the Wolfpack in their opener against Western Carolina, how NC State matches up against Tennessee and much more.
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What were the internal expectations for Oklahoma entering its first year in the SEC? Do you feel better or worse about them meeting those expectations after three weeks?
“I don’t know about internal expectations, but those of us on the outside expected the Sooners to have a good to elite defense with questions abound on offense. So far that’s borne out. With a first-year quarterback, a first-year offensive coordinator and a remade (now injured) offensive line, it’s been rough offensively.
Under Lincoln Riley, the offense was dynamite and the defense was disappointing. That’s flipped under Venables.
I picked OU to go 3-5 in the SEC and was certainly on the pessimistic side. It’s way too early to take a victory lap, but I feel good about that prediction.”
How would you assess Jackson Arnold’s play to this point in the season?
“OK.
He threw a pick-six last weekend against Tulane which allowed the Green Wave to get back in the game. He also made some big plays on the ground which helped the Sooners win.
It’s hard to judge Arnold. Playing behind a shaky offensive line and learning a somewhat new offense under Seth Littrell have naturally made things tough. OU’s run game hasn’t exactly opened things up, either.
OU ranks 123rd nationally in passing plays of 20+ yards.”
Offensive line issues seem to be a common theme to this point in the season? Do those issues seem fixable or is that just going to be a major weak point for this team?
“They might be fixable if the O-Line can get healthy, with everyone playing their natural position, but that’s a big if. And there were questions marks even before the injuries started piling up.
Bill Bedenbaugh is one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, but he’s got his work cut out for him this season.”
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Oklahoma’s defense?
“Tulane coach Jon Sumrall said OU’s front seven is one of the best he’s faced. R Mason Thomas and Gracen Halton have had breakout seasons so far up front, and true freshman Jayden Jackson and TCU transfer Damonic Williams have fit right in.
Danny Stutsman is one of the best linebackers in the country, and safety Billy Bowman Jr. leads the secondary. OU has forced 10 turnover, tied for first in the country.
The weaknesses have yet to reveal themselves. This is the best defense OU has had in a decade or more.”
What is a key or a couple keys for Oklahoma to earn the win on Saturday night?
“Getting an early lead sounds obvious, but especially so against Tennessee. I don’t think OU’s offense is equipped to play from behind. The Sooners need to control the clock and play a low-scoring game.
Will OU be able to pressure Nico Iamaleava? It has to make him uncomfortable.
I also think the crowd and the environment will be a big factor. It’s OU’s first-ever SEC game, and it’s against a big-time opponent. People are fired up.”
One Josh Heupel question for you. Do you anticipate Oklahoma having some sort of tribute video for Heupel before or during the game?
“If not a video, I have to think there will be some acknowledgement of Heupel before or during the game. Even if it’s putting a picture of him from his playing days on the jumbotron and giving fans a chance to give Heupel a warm embrace. Things ended on a sour note between Heupel and OU, but hopefully the ice will thaw Saturday. He’s still beloved around here as the last OU quarterback to lead the Sooners to a national championship.”
Final score prediction?
Tennessee 27, Oklahoma 21
2 Responses
To say that Josh Heupel is beloved in Oklahoma is a huge understatement. He IS the reason we got back to our winning ways. The reception for our hero coming home, even if it is to try and take OU down, will be extremely warm and loud, to say the least.
You’ve got to play ‘em all!