Oklahoma Sooners vs. Tennessee Volunteers Betting Odds, College Football Pick

Oklahoma is a perfect 6-0 both straight up and against the spread in its last six September games, including a victory and cover over Tennessee last year. However, the Sooners will run into an improved Volunteers outfit in front of what will be a raucous crowd Saturday night in Knoxville.

Point spread: The Sooners opened as three-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 26.3-22.5 Sooners

Why the Oklahoma Sooners can cover the spread

Oklahoma opened this season with a 41-3 victory over Akron, covering the spread as 31-point chalk. The Sooners started slowly, leading just 3-0 well into the second quarter, but pulled away from there, as quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 388 yards and three scores and the defense held the Zips out of the end zone.

OU returned 13 starters this season following its disappointing 8-5 campaign last year, and much better results are expected. Also, the Sooners just beat Tennessee last season, and somewhat easily, 34-10, outgaining the Vols by 140 yards and covering as 20-point favorites.

Why the Tennessee Volunteers can cover the spread

Tennessee began this season with a 59-30 win over Bowling Green, cashing in as a 21-point favorite. The Volunteers led by 18 points early, allowed the Falcons to get within a point, then scored 38 of the last 48 points of the game. Tennessee ran the ball for 399 yards, with running backs Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurd both hitting the century mark.

UT returned 18 starters this season, tied for the fourth most in all of FBS, from a team that finished last season on a 4-1 run. They include versatile quarterback Joshua Dobbs, four along the offensive line and eight on defense.

Finally, the Vols had a chance to cover in Norman last year, driving into the Oklahoma red zone early in the fourth quarter, but an interception went the other way 100 yards for the game's final score.

Smart pick

College football teams often make great strides in their third season under new coaching regimes, and Tennessee is in its third season under head coach Butch Jones. The Vols have a talented quarterback, a running game and what should be an improved defense. Throw in the revenge factor, along with the home crowd, and it becomes apparent the smart money here sides with Tennessee.

Betting trends

Oklahoma is 6-0 SU and ATS in its last six games in September.

The total has gone over in Oklahoma’s last five games on the road.

Tennessee is 3-1 ATS in its last four games at home.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.