Ad Disclosure
In advance of this weekend’s season-opener, Saturday Down South’s Jason Hall breaks down the scouting report for Tennessee’s showdown against Oklahoma
Tennessee Volunteers at Oklahoma
(8 PM ET, ABC)
THE SKINNY: Tennessee enters with a 2-0 record. The Vols enjoyed dominant wins against Utah State and Arkansas State to open the 2014 season. However, Tennessee faces its biggest test at No. 4 Oklahoma. Over half of the Vols’ roster will play their first college road game in a hostile environment tonight. Oklahoma has a surplus of talent on both sides of the ball, including star quarterback Trevor Knight, playmaking wideout Sterling Shepard and one of nation’s top pass rushers in Eric Striker.
KEY PLAYER: Justin Worley is off to the best start of his career. Worley has shown the poise, confidence and leadership expected from a senior quarterback. The Tennessee offense will live and die on the arm of Worley. For the Vols to have success, Worley must provide yet another impressive performance. The senior has yet to face a defense of Oklahoma’s caliber this season and will be constantly pressured by a strong pass rush.
WHAT TO WATCH: How will Tennessee’s freshmen fare against a national powerhouse on the road. The Vols boasted a top-5 2014 recruiting class and have given first-year players plenty of playing time. Jalen Hurd has emerged as Tennessee’s featured back through two games and must produce for the Vols to be successful. It will be a tall task, but the freshmen players need to match Oklahoma’s starters in order to stay competitive.
FINAL SAY: Oklahoma is a 21-point favorite to win. The comparisons have been drawn between tonight’s game and the Vols’ Week 3 blowout loss to Oregon in Eugene last season. While Tennessee does look to be an improved team in 2014, they may not be ready to compete with a national powerhouse just yet. Tonight’s game may be closer than a 21-point rout, but the odds heavily favor the Sooners.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
