For most of the 21st century, Oklahoma football has been the cream of the crop in the Big 12. The Sooners outpaced rival Texas and was the team to beat in their conference and one of the top program year-in, year-out in the entire country.
That’s why the Sooners are in such an odd spot entering Saturday’s matchup against No. 6 Tennessee at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Tennessee is currently seven-point favorites over the Sooners according to Draft Kings Sportsbook.
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According to ESPN Stats and Info, Saturday’s primetime matchup in Norman is the first time that Oklahoma has been touchdown home underdogs since facing Texas Tech in 1998.
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For reference, that was the last game that Oklahoma played before bringing in Josh Heupel as the program’s new starting quarterback. Two years later, Heupel led the Sooners to a 13-0 record and the 2000 National Championship. On the same day that Oklahoma upset Texas Tech as touchdown underdogs, Tennessee defeated Kentucky 59-21 on its way to the 1998 National Championship.
Tennessee enters its SEC opener 3-0 having outscored its first three opponents 191-13. Two of those wins were over small schools Chattanooga and Kent State but the other was a blowout victory over then-No. 24 NC State. The Vols seemingly have combined Josh Heupel’s high powered offense with a stout defense that’s yet to allow a touchdown this season.
Oklahoma is also off to a 3-0 start to the season but after dominating Temple to open the season, the Sooners were unconvincing in victories over Houston and Tulane. Oklahoma knocked off Houston 16-12 before using a late touchdown to pull ahead of the Green Wave in a 34-19 victory.
Kickoff between Tennessee and Oklahoma is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night. Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe are on the call for ABC.
