No. 6 Tennessee is set to face No. 15 Oklahoma in a highly anticipated matchup for Week 4 that will mark a significant moment in SEC history. This game not only acts as the SEC opener for both teams, but it also carries deeper narrative significance.
For Oklahoma, this marks their first conference game since joining the SEC. The Sooners are eager to establish themselves as competitive newcomers in front of what is expected to be a passionate home crowd, as this game comes during their fourth consecutive home game to start the season. A win is crucial for Oklahoma, especially considering they will face three top-10 teams later in the season away from their home ground, Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, views this game as critical to their aspirations of joining the SEC elite and positioning themselves as serious College Football Playoff contenders. The Vols have started the season strong, winning their first three games by an average margin of 59.3 points, including a dominant 51-10 victory over NC State. Notably, they have not allowed an offensive touchdown in four straight outings, dating back to last year’s Citrus Bowl win against Iowa.
Fans can expect live updates, highlights, and analysis from the Tennessee vs. Oklahoma game.
Viewing details for the game are as follows:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 21 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
TV: ABC | Live stream: fubo
This game features Josh Heupel returning to Norman for the first time since his tenure as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator ended in 2014. Heupel’s relationship with Oklahoma started in 1999 when he joined the team as a quarterback, leading the Sooners to an undefeated season and national championship in 2000.
The matchup is also a clash of formidable quarterbacks, Nico Iamaleava of Tennessee and Jackson Arnold of Oklahoma, both of whom were among the top prospects in the 2023 recruiting class. Iamaleava began his collegiate career with a start in the Citrus Bowl, while Arnold made his mark in the Alamo Bowl. This game represents their first duel as starting quarterbacks at two prominent programs.
As for predictions, there are concerns regarding Tennessee’s performance in hostile environments under Heupel, as this will be Iamaleava’s first start in such a setting. However, with Oklahoma facing challenges on their offensive line and Tennessee boasting a strong defensive line, the matchup appears favored for the Vols. The prediction points toward Tennessee securing the win, with expectations of a closely contested battle given both teams’ solid defenses.