In an exciting top-20 SEC showdown, the No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners (6-2) are set to face off against the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (6-2) this Saturday afternoon.
This intense matchup will be held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Both teams are coming off contrasting Week 9 results. Oklahoma suffered a 34-26 loss to Ole Miss, while Tennessee secured a convincing 56-34 victory over Kentucky.
The Volunteers enter the game as 2.5-point favorites. Fans and bettors seem pretty eager for this one.
Team Performances and Recent Form
Oklahoma has had a rough few weeks, losing two of their last three games. Their latest setback came at the hands of Ole Miss, where the Sooners fell 34-26.
Despite these recent struggles, Oklahoma still holds a solid overall record and a history of success against Tennessee, leading the all-time series 3-2.
The Volunteers, however, won their last meeting in 2024, taking it 25-15. That game marked Tennessee coach Josh Heupel’s return to his alma mater.
Tennessee is coming in hot after a dominant 56-34 win over Kentucky. That victory really showed off the Volunteers’ potent offense and some resilience on defense.
Oklahoma Sooners: Key Players and Stats
Oklahoma’s offense is led by quarterback John Mateer, a dual-threat guy who’s racked up 1,790 passing yards, 226 rushing yards, and 13 total touchdowns this season.
Mateer’s ability to make plays with his legs adds a dynamic element to the Sooners’ attack. Junior receiver Isaiah Sategna III has been his go-to, piling up 624 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Sategna III had a standout performance against Ole Miss, with a season-high 131 receiving yards and a score. Freshman running back Tory Blaylock has chipped in 401 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, giving Oklahoma some balance.
The Sooners have also done well against the spread (ATS) as the road team, holding a 2-0 ATS record this season.
Tennessee Volunteers: Key Players and Stats
Tennessee’s offense is led by senior quarterback Joey Aguilar, who’s shown a strong arm and a willingness to push the ball downfield. Aguilar has thrown for 2,344 passing yards and 18 touchdowns this year.
In his last outing against Kentucky, he completed 20 of 26 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns. Junior receiver Chris Brazzell II has been a standout, ranking seventh in the nation in receiving yards with 740.
Brazzell II has hauled in 43 catches and eight touchdowns, including a 138-yard, one-touchdown performance against Kentucky. Tennessee’s defense, though, has had its issues, especially in the secondary.
Some top cornerbacks have been missing, and starting linebacker Arion Carter’s questionable status doesn’t help their outlook.
Betting Insights and Predictions
The latest odds have the Volunteers as 2.5-point favorites, with an over/under set at 55.5 points. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every FBS game 10,000 times, the model has a pretty solid track record of generating betting profits.
Since its inception, it’s produced over $2,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated college football spread picks. For this matchup, the model is leaning toward the under, projecting 52 combined points.
It also spots one side of the spread as better value, though the details are tucked away behind the SportsLine paywall.
Why the Volunteers Could Cover
Tennessee’s explosive offense, led by Joey Aguilar and Chris Brazzell II, could put up a lot of points against Oklahoma’s defense. Aguilar’s ability to distribute the ball and Brazzell II’s knack for big plays are huge advantages.
Plus, playing at home in Neyland Stadium is a big deal. The crowd’s energy and that electric atmosphere might give the Volunteers an extra edge when it matters most.
Why the Sooners Could Cover
Oklahoma’s success on the road this season, along with John Mateer’s dual-threat skills, makes them a tough out. Mateer’s knack for extending plays and connecting with Isaiah Sategna III could really test Tennessee’s secondary.
The Sooners’ balanced attack, with both a strong passing game and a reliable rushing option in Tory Blaylock, keeps defenses guessing. Their 2-0 ATS record away from home suggests they’re comfortable as the underdog, too.
Final Thoughts
The Oklahoma vs. Tennessee matchup is shaping up to be a real showdown between two top-20 SEC teams. Both sides have some serious firepower on offense.
Fans are in for a game that could go down to the wire. The Volunteers get to play at home, which always adds a little extra energy.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, is hoping to shake off some recent setbacks. There’s a lot riding on this one for both teams.
If you want more in-depth predictions and betting tips, take a look at the full analysis over at CBS Sports.
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