Tennessee Vols get level of respect unseen since the 1970s ahead of huge matchup with Oklahoma Sooners
The Tennessee Volunteers went through their pre-conference play with about as impressive a run as Vol fans could have hoped for. Tennessee outscored their three opponents 191-13 over the first three games, with wins over overmatched Chattanooga and Kent State sandwiched around a drubbing of a then-ranked NC State team. Now, the real challenge begins, […]
The Tennessee Volunteers went through their pre-conference play with about as impressive a run as Vol fans could have hoped for.
Tennessee outscored their three opponents 191-13 over the first three games, with wins over overmatched Chattanooga and Kent State sandwiched around a drubbing of a then-ranked NC State team.
Now, the real challenge begins, as the #6/7 (AP/Coaches) Vols open up their SEC play with a huge road matchup at the #15/13 Oklahoma Sooners. However, the Vegas oddsmakers apparently like what they've seen so far (and not quite as much with Oklahoma), installing the Vols as 7-point favorites in Norman.
How rare is a touchdown road favorite at Oklahoma? It's not been seen against a ranked Sooners squad since bellbottoms were in style and the first Christopher Reeve Superman film was in theaters.
According to ESPN's Eli Lederman, who cites ESPN stats and information, a ranked Sooners team hasn't been an underdog at home by more than 4 points since 1978.
That's quite the jump in time there, and it speaks to the consistency the Sooners have had over their program's storied history. Aside from some lean years from the end of the 1980s to the end of the 1990s – the era between Barry Switzer's era and that of Bob Stoops) – Oklahoma has been a perennial contender the vast majority of seasons.
The Sooners, while undefeated, haven't looked great this season, struggling mightily with Houston (a 16-12 win) and having a four-quarter fight with Tulane. Perhaps the oddsmakers have compared those relative struggles of OU – and their perceived weaknesses right now, particular on their offensive line and in the execution of their passing game – and viewed them in the light of how well Tennessee is playing on both sides of the ball right now.
However, make no mistake. Oklahoma is a very tough place to play. Certainly a tough first-ever true road environment for Nico Iamaleava and this Tennessee offense to have to navigate together. The Sooners have terrific athletes. OU's defense is also playing at a high level through three games. In other words, this should be a tough challenge for the Vols.
Can Tennessee win and cover 7 points? Yes, if they play to the level they're capable of. But this is a game that Vol fans would all surely eagerly take as a 35-33 win in 5 overtimes. And it's a win that, if the Vols can get it, should impress voters and coaches alike across the country.
As former Raiders owner Al Davis famously said: "just win, baby." No matter how you do it.
Tennessee player explains mindset behind most impressive stretch of play for Vols since World War 2
Tennessee has had a dominating start to their 2024 season
