The betting line for Tennessee’s upcoming game against Oklahoma has created quite a buzz, marking a historic moment for the Sooners. As the No. 6 Vols prepare to face the No. 15 Sooners in Norman, they are listed as 7.5-point favorites on DraftKings, with the over/under set at 58 points. This spread is noteworthy for several reasons.
Tennessee is a touchdown favorite at Oklahoma in Week 4.
Per @ESPNStatsInfo, its the first time the Sooners are a touchdown home underdog since Nov. 21, 1998 vs Texas Tech. A ranked Oklahoma team hasn't been a home dog of more than 4 points since at least 1978.
— Eli Lederman (@ByEliLederman) September 16, 2024
For the first time since November 21, 1998, when they faced Texas Tech, Oklahoma is a touchdown underdog at home. This was before former head coach Bob Stoops took over the program, highlighting just how rare it is for the Sooners to be in this position. The 1998 game was a pivotal moment in a season that preceded Stoops’ tenure, making this current spread a significant departure from Oklahoma’s usual home-field dominance.
Further emphasizing the rarity, a ranked Oklahoma team has not been an underdog by more than four points at home since at least 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. This makes the current spread of a touchdown against Tennessee the largest margin for a ranked Oklahoma team at home in 46 years.
The betting line has seen significant changes over time. Initially, Tennessee was a 5.5-point underdog in early May lines released by FanDuel. By Thursday, the Vols had shifted to a 2.5-point favorite, reflecting a notable change in public perception as the game approaches.
Regardless of the line, this matchup represents the biggest test of the season for both teams. For Tennessee, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their potential to compete for an SEC championship. For Oklahoma, it’s a chance to prove themselves against one of the top teams in the country. This game will serve as a crucial measuring stick for both programs as they navigate the 2024 season.
