OU-Tennessee quick-hit: Vols ruin Sooners' SEC debut
The stage was set for something incredible for OU-Tennessee, at least that’s what Sooner fans were hoping. Instead? It was a coming out part for the Vols. And a huge bunch of program-searching questions for OU.
The intensity was off the charts, but Tennessee was simply better. The Vols spoiled OU’s debut in the SEC on Saturday night in Norman, 25-15.
Your quick-hit takeaways from a rough night at Owen Field.
Jackson Arnold benched
Arnold had gone through some adversity in the last couple of weeks. But what happened against the Vols? That’s just next-level. And now you wonder what his OU future might look like.
Arnold had one of the worst quarters in recent memory, a second quarter where OU net -20 yards offensively.
Backbreaking turnovers after the defense fought to get the ball back and put the OU offense in position.
Whatever could go wrong, did. Michael Hawkins came in late in the second quarter. It got a little bit better, and it didn’t get any worse. Two touchdown drives in the fourth.
Defense finally wore down
You can try to say negative things about the defense, but eventually, you’re going to give up something. The defense forced two takeaways in the first half only to have Arnold turn the ball over on the very next play both times.
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The time of possession became outrageous. And the Vols just slowly added some yards. A couple of big plays here and there, and OU had zero answers.
Dolby, Anderson among the OU injuries
Part of the excitement was about Nic Anderson coming back. But after one drive, he didn’t return. Anderson was in street clothes the rest of the night.
It went from bad to worse with Cheetah LB Kendel Dolby. It appeared he broke his leg in the second quarter. He was taken away on a cart. The team huddled around him, knowing the severity of the situation.
Running back Taylor Tatum was also banged up. Injured in the first half, he did not return. The injuries just keep coming. It’s not an excuse, but it is a fact.
Up next
OU (3-1, 0-1) looks to bounce back at Auburn. The Tigers (2-2, 0-1) are coming off a home loss to Arkansas. Auburn has lost two home games this season. OU has not played Auburn since defeating the Tigers in the 2017 Sugar Bowl.
