Preview: Tennessee Volunteers Vs. #4 Oklahoma Sooners

Date: 9/13/2014

Time: 20:00 ET

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Players to Watch

Josh Smith, wide receiver (TEN): Smith is about to become the best receiver on the Tennessee roster.  The sophomore has unparalleled athleticism and has made a number of highlight players already this season.  With Von Pearson down with an ankle injury,  Smith will be needed now more than ever.

Jalen Hurd, running back (TEN): The freshman ‘back has emerged as the team’s leading rusher and has 34 carries on the season for 112 yards and a touchdown.  Those are not numbers that will jump off the page at you but keep your eye on the youngster,  he has earned the trust of the coaches at such an early stage which clearly makes him one to watch.

Sterling Shepard, wide receiver (OU): Shepard put up over 600 receiving yards in his first two season in college football and he is about to break out in a big way in 2014.  With 12 receptions for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns,  he has quickly became Trevor Knight’s favorite target.

Zack Sanchez, cornerback (OU): After garnering freshman All-American honors in 2013,  Sanchez has seen limited action thus far as a sophomore due to his side blowing teams out.  Nevertheless,  he has still registered two sacks and two pass break ups as he shuts down opposing sides top receiver.

Volunteers’ Offense Vs Sooners’ Defense

The Vols’ offense has struggled,  especially since senior left tackle Jacob Gilliam was lost for the year.  Going up against a rested defense is the head ache they could do without at this stage of the season and you can guarantee Bob Stoops will dial up blitz after blitz.

The Sooners front seven will harass opposing quarterback Justin Worley all game.  The senior is mistake prone and if the rush begins to get there then the home side could be in line for their third big win of the season.

Volunteers’ Defense Vs Sooners’ Offense

The Vols’ need to keep it balanced on offense to ensure the Oklahoma front seven are kept honest.  Pounding it with Hurd and Marlin Lane will open up play action and the possibility of big plays from smith and Marquez North.

Oklahoma quarterback Knight is young and very talented but has been known to make silly mistakes.  One of the things that will put Tennessee in this game is if they garner extra possessions through turnovers.

Game Preview

Oklahoma has started the season in a whirlwind and has put up 100 points through two games.  They are brimming with confidence and are on the hunt for their next victim.  Tennessee,  on the other hand,  also have two wins to their name,  all be it not in quite the same fashion.  It will be an extremely tough one for the visitors but they do have weapons to cause problems for any side.

Implications

The Sooners,  unlike the Volunteers,  have it all to lose until the final game of the season is in the books.  With a ranking inside the top-four they are play-off bound and two games away from a national championship.  There are tougher games on the horizon than this week’s encounter with the SEC outfit,  but they all count and must be ticked off.

Prediction

Oklahoma look mightily impressive and are in line for their third win. Vols 17-42 Sooners