As No. 6 Tennessee gears up for its first SEC game of the season against No. 15 Oklahoma, there’s plenty of excitement surrounding this Saturday’s primetime showdown. With kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, all eyes will be on this thrilling contest, which also marks Oklahoma’s debut in SEC football. The game carries special significance for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, who returns to his alma mater, where he led the Sooners to a national championship in 2000.
Here are 11 key things to know about the Oklahoma Sooners as they prepare to host the Volunteers:
1. Head Coach: Brent Venables
Brent Venables, in his third season as head coach, has guided Oklahoma to a 17-10 record. Venables spent 13 years as an assistant at Oklahoma before a successful stint as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, where he won two national titles.
2. Starting QB: Jackson Arnold
Sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold has been efficient this season, completing 63% of his passes for 484 yards and seven touchdowns. Arnold is also a dual threat, leading the team with 159 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
3. Stingy Defense
Oklahoma’s defense has been dominant this season, allowing only 11.3 points per game. The Sooners rank 22nd nationally in rush defense, giving up just 77.7 yards per game. Impressively, they have not allowed a rushing touchdown all season.
4. Home Field Dominance
Norman is a fortress for the Sooners, boasting a 143-13 record at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium since 1999. Saturday’s game will be their 156th consecutive sellout.
5. Turnover Machine
The Sooners have forced 10 turnovers in three games, tied for most in the nation. With a +8 turnover margin, they capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, outscoring teams 48-6 off turnovers this season.
6. Defensive Leader: Danny Stutsman
Linebacker Danny Stutsman is the heart of the Sooners’ defense. Averaging 11 tackles per game, Stutsman ranks second in the SEC. The senior has already racked up 300 career tackles.
7. Receiver Nic Anderson’s Possible Return
Oklahoma may see the return of star receiver Nic Anderson, who has missed the first few games due to injury. Anderson, who had 10 touchdowns in 2023, was a key playmaker for the Sooners last season.
8. Offensive Line Struggles
The Sooners’ offensive line has struggled to find cohesion, allowing nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss in their first three games. Only two SEC teams have allowed more sacks.
9. Tight End Involvement
Oklahoma’s tight ends have already equaled last year’s touchdown production, with two scores in three games. Their increased role has provided an extra dimension to the Sooners’ offense.
10. Three-Headed Running Back Attack
The Sooners’ running game features a trio of backs, led by Jovantae Barnes. Freshman Taylor Tatum has also emerged, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and contributing both rushing and receiving touchdowns.
11. Red Zone Efficiency
Oklahoma is perfect in the red zone this season, converting all 13 of their trips into points, including 10 touchdowns and three field goals.
This highly anticipated game is set to be a battle of heavyweights, with both teams aiming to make a statement in their SEC openers.
