Oklahoma vs. Tennessee Complete Game Preview

This is the matchup Oklahoma Sooners and Tennessee Volunteers fans have waited for since the schedule was first released. 

Which team will survive the first obstacle in its way and move to 3-0? Can head coach Bob Stoops lead the Sooners to triumph over the SEC on the big stage once again?

These questions and more will be answered when the two teams square off in Norman. 

Here’s everything you need to know.

Where: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

When: Saturday, September 13 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: ABC

Live Stream: Sooner Sports

Listen: Sooner Sports Radio Network

Betting Line: Oklahoma (-21), per Odds Shark

Oklahoma Keys to Victory

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

Knight must do more.

Capitalize on the Deep Ball

Offensive coordinator Josh Heupel dialed up the deep ball early and often against Tulsa last weekend. Unfortunately, quarterback Trevor Knight just never seemed able to make the most of them.

That’s something that needs to change Saturday.

The Vols secondary has looked respectable over their first two games. The unit ranks No. 31 in the nation against the pass (167.0 YPG) while conceding just two touchdown tosses and picking off two passes. 

If the Sooners hope to keep the Tennessee secondary on its toes, Knight needs to make the most of his deep opportunities.

Keep the Vols Offense One-Dimensional

Thus far, Tennessee has failed to assert its rush offense.

Through two games, the attack has scored just four times while averaging only 139 yards per game and a meager 3.3 yards per carry. It doesn’t appear it’s going to get any easier against Oklahoma’s front seven—the unit ranks No. 13 in the nation against the run (74.0 YPG) while yet to concede a rushing touchdown.

Meanwhile, Vols quarterback Justin Worley has had a solid start, throwing for 520 yards, five touchdowns and an interception on 49-of-76 passing. 

If the Sooners can shut down the run early, the defense can focus solely on getting pressure on Worley. With four sacks to its name already, expect the front seven to be in the Tennessee backfield all day.

Tennessee Keys to Victory

Wade Payne/Associated Press

Can Worley deliver the Vols their biggest win of the new regime?

Open Up Run Game Through Passing Attack

Quarterback Justin Worley is off to a hot start.

In two starts, the senior has nearly half as many touchdowns as he’s had in his career. He’s showing poise, confidence and good decision-making back in the pocket. 

If Worley can take advantage of some of the new faces in the Sooners secondary, good things can happen. One of those being that the running backs should find more holes to run through.

It will be tough against an Oklahoma defense that is unforgiving, but it was never going to be easy for the Vols.

Stop the Run

The Sooners' rushing attack has been as good as any early on.

Backed by a three-headed attack, the team averages 222 yards per game while ranking No. 4 in the nation in rushing touchdowns (nine). Furthermore, Oklahoma averages a whopping 6.3 yards per carry.

Behind the different running styles of Alex Ross, Keith Ford and Samaje Perine, the attack is tough to slow down.

However, if Tennessee can even slow them down just a bit, the team could be in business. It would force quarterback Trevor Knight to make plays with his arm, which has something he has been just OK with over the first two weeks.

Oklahoma Players to Watch

QB Trevor Knight (Redshirt So.)

Once again, all eyes will be on quarterback Trevor Knight.

Last January, the sophomore feasted on an SEC defense when the Sooners shocked Alabama. Can he repeat that performance against another one of the conference’s defenses?

Thus far, Knight has thrown for 552 yards over the first two games. However, he has only three touchdowns and has completed just 58.8 percent of his passes. 

In his first real test of the season, it’s imperative for Knight to show that he can do more.

WR Michiah Quick (Fr.)

Prior to the season, there was a lot of hype and excitement surrounding the freshman.

A 4-star recruit out of Fresno, California, Michiah Quick was supposed to make his presence felt immediately. However, thus far, he has only one kickoff return for just 13 yards to his name.

Maybe Oklahoma purposely chose to hold out one of its weapons until a big game. Or maybe Quick just hasn’t grasped the college game as quickly as many had hoped. 

Either way, expect the Sooners to try to get Quick involved Saturday night.

Tennessee Players to Watch

QB Justin Worley (Sr.)

The senior quarterback has got to have the game of his life.

Worley struggled against ranked opponents last season, completing just 52.3 percent of his passes. It was even worse on the road, where he threw two touchdowns and four interceptions on just 49.2 percent passing.

It won’t be easy in Norman Saturday. However, if Worley can settle himself down and make some early throws, it could go a long way in helping the Vols keep themselves in the game.

RB Jalen Hurd (Fr.)

The youngster has failed to live up to the hype.

A 4-star recruit out of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Jalen Hurd leads the team in rushing. But with 112 yards on 34 carries (3.3 YPC), he leaves much to be desired.

Keeping Oklahoma’s offense off the field will be key to the Vols' strategy. If they hope to accomplish that goal, the rushing attack has got to show some legs.

The pressure will be on Hurd to make that happen.

What They're Saying

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

Stoops was impressed by running back Keith Ford.

Linebacker Geneo Grissom was interviewed by The Oklahoman's Jason Kersey about the Big 12/SEC talk.

"As his guys, we’re 100 percent behind him," said Grissom. "We’re going to make sure we help him out there and make a statement in that aspect."

Head coach Bob Stoops commented on running back Keith Ford's catching ability, via NewsOn6's Luke McConnel:

"

I don't ever recall him having poor hand, but he's gotten to where he can catch those difficult ones and make it look easy. He has worked hard on it and all those guys have really good hands, which makes a big difference in your confidence and getting the ball out there in space.

"

McConnel asked quarterback Trevor Knight about the possibility of wearing new uniforms this Saturday. 

"Hopefully we get to bring them out, but if not, that's OK too," Knight said. "I think it'd be pretty cool to bring them out for the fans and everything. It'd be a pretty special thing for our team."

Prediction

USA TODAY Sports

It should be another comfortable victory for the Crimson and Cream.

Regardless of the excitement leading up to it, this matchup may not be as close as many think.

The Vols are certainly a team on the rise. However, don't expect too much to show on the field until next season or later this year at the earliest. They have too many weaknesses. 

Not to mention, Tennessee is a team that struggles mightily on the road. Conversely, the Sooners typically feast on opponents at home.

It's a recipe for disaster.


Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Tennessee 17

All stats, recruiting information and rankings used in this article are courtesy of CFBStats.com and 247Sports.

For complete coverage and everything Oklahoma football, you can reach Sebastian on Twitter and via email at [e-mail].