Last week, Ole Miss racked up more than 400 yards of total offense and 34 points against what once appeared to be an invincible Oklahoma defense. Meanwhile, the Vols racked up 56 points and 5004 yards of offense against Kentucky. Look for their red-hot offense to keep rolling and, as a bonus, coach Josh Heupel's motivation factor facing his alma mater should ensure a focused performance from the Tennessee side.
It’s obvious that John Matter returned from injury at not one hundred percent. Over the Sooners last three games they have lost to Texas and Ole Miss, but it’s also allowed Matter to play and work through the injury. Expect a sharper performance from him tonight and for Tennessee to need to adjust from their typical octane offense that averages forty six points per game. Close game with the Sooners sneaking within the number.
Need a night game oppo the World Series. It's basically a playoff elimination game too with both sitting at two losses now like my stupid Hurricanes (told you on them). I don't think the Sooners are all that good and John Mateer hasn't been quite the same since returning from injury. UT coach Josh Heupel was the quarterback for the last Sooners team to win the natty (2000) and an offensive assistant coach at Oklahoma from 2006-14 before being fired. So yeah, this means a little more to him. Star Vols LB Arion Carter is listed questionable but likely to play some.
The Tennessee defense has been boom or bust this year, ranking among the nation's leaders in sacks and defensive touchdowns but also routinely giving up big plays. Playing at home, at night, should be a boost for the Vols' defense against an Oklahoma offense that has come up short in some of the biggest games. Throw Josh Heupel's extra motivation against the Sooners (remember his emotional locker room scene after last year's win?) and it's hard to fade the Vols in this spot.
