Tennessee vs. Oklahoma score, takeaways: Volunteers thwart rally to sour Sooners' SEC debut

The Sooners were hapless on offense until a quarterback change sparked a second-half rally

No. 6 Tennessee spoiled No. 15 Oklahoma's SEC debut with a 25-15 road win that featured far less of the Volunteers' vaunted offense. The nation's No. 1 scoring unit entering Week 4 only scored six points on a pair of field goals in the second half. Tennessee's defense was stifling, however. The Vols forced three first-half turnovers and held the Sooners to -4 yards between the second and third quarters. 

A quarterback change from Jackson Arnold to Michael Hawkins Jr. sparked Oklahoma's offense over the final 30 minutes and even put the Sooners in a position to make the game interesting with a late touchdown, but the Vols answered the bell again on a key 2-point conversion attempt. Linebacker Arion Carter corralled Hawkins behind the line of scrimmage before he could take off on a scramble, effectively slamming the door on the Sooners and securing the win for Tennessee. 

The Vols handled the ensuing onside kick attempt and were able to kneel the clock out after a 16-yard rush from quarterback Nico Iamaleava on third-and-2. This is Tennessee's first road win against a top-15 opponent since 2006. 

CBS Sports was with you with live updates, highlights and analysis from Tennessee vs. Oklahoma. Read on below for takeaways from the game. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 11:41 pm ET · Will Backus]

Oklahoma has a huge decision to make 

Will the Sooners move away from Jackson Arnold on a more permanent basis? Oklahoma benched the former five-star prospect after a disastrous first half in which he turned the ball over three times, including one fumble on a lateral that allowed Tennessee to embark on a 46-yard touchdown drive near the end of the first half. 

True freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. came in late in the second quarter and stayed over the last 30 minutes. He was an obvious spark for the Sooners, with his smart passing decisions and tough running. He broke Tennessee's streak of 19 consecutive quarters without allowing a touchdown early in the fourth quarter with a 2-yard pass to running back Jovantae Barnes. He also led another touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter and came a failed 2-point conversion away from cutting Tennessee's lead to one score. Clearly, Hawkins gave Oklahoma a chance when it really had no business having a chance. 

On one hand, you don't want to completely destroy Arnold's confidence. He has shown flashes of living up to his blue-chip billing before, but the play-to-play consistency just isn't there, and it's hard to ignore the fact that OU's offense looked a lot better with Hawkins. 

It's a tough decision for coach Brent Venables to make with a road game against Auburn looming. If Hawkins gives the Sooners their best chance to win, he has to start. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 11:37 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee still needs to clean things up 

Tennessee's defense was good enough to cover tonight, but the Vols have some obvious things to patch up after a sloppy game. Tennessee was penalized nine times for 78 yards, including a few calls in key spots that took away otherwise explosive plays. 

A holding on left guard Andrej Karic erased a 50-yard pass from quarterback Nico Iamaleava to wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman had an illegal touching penalty late in the fourth quarter that wiped out a nice gain and put the Vols behind the chains on third-and-14 from their own 21-yard line. Tennessee had to punt the ball away with a 22-9 lead, though the defense prevented Oklahoma from making the game interesting. 

There were also a couple of completely avoidable personal foul penalties, including one for blocking out of bounds and another for roughing the passer, which gave Oklahoma a free fourth-down conversion and allowed it to cut Tennessee's lead to 10 late in the fourth quarter. The Vols absolutely cannot have those in future games. 

It is a testament to Tennessee's overall team strength that it didn't have its best game from a discipline perspective, yet it was still able to walk out of a top-15 SEC team's home stadium with a win. Having a bye next week to iron some of the issues out helps as well. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 11:37 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Does Tennessee have an elite, championship defense?

It's quite possible Tennessee has its most talented, deepest defensive front in more than 20 years. It doesn't matter the opponent, the quality of the offensive lines or the situation on the field, the Vols just simply eat the middle of the field.

At the end of the third quarter, the Vols had nine tackles for loss (two sacks) in addition to forcing a couple of turnovers. The Sooners averaged only 2.2 yards per play through three quarters, including less than a yard on the ground, and had a combined minus-4 yards of offense in the second and third quarters. It's not just one player standing out, either, which makes it all the much more marvelous for the Vols. Nine different players combined for those nine tackles for loss through three quarters.

The Vols stretched their streak without allowing an offensive touchdown to 19 quarters, including their shutout of Iowa in the Citrus Bowl last season. That's the second-longest such streak in program history, though it may be hard for Tennessee to ever match coach Robert Neyland's streak of 15 straight shutout games from 1938-39. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 11:26 pm ET · Will Backus]

Oklahoma scores again, but comes up short on key conversion

Late 4Q: No. 6 Tennessee 25, No. 15 Oklahoma 15

Oklahoma might wish it made the switch to Michael Hawkins Jr. sooner. The true freshman has completely changed this game, even if it still feels like an outside shot that Oklahoma can actually win this one. He's been tough in the face of a relentless Tennessee defense, and he just put his body on the line -- after expertly evading some immediate pressure -- to nearly flip into the end zone before Jackson Arnold came back in and finished the drive with a handoff to running back Jovantae Barnes. 

Hawkins was sacked on the ensuing 2-point conversion, preserving a 10-point lead for Tennessee and likely sealing the deal. The Sooners showed fight in the second half, but that first-half hole was too deep to dig out of. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 11:08 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee takes the points 

Late 4Q: No. 6 Tennessee 25, No. 15 Oklahoma 9 

That will likely do it from Norman. It hasn't been the best second half from Tennessee, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, but kicker Max Gilbert's 32-yard field goal puts the bow on a game that the Vols can look back on fondly. The defense deserves a huge steak dinner. It's been on the field for well over 20 minutes and, outside of one drive, really hasn't lost its edge. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 10:58 pm ET · Will Backus]

Oklahoma with a chance 

Just 10 minutes ago, it looked like this game was all but over. But Tennessee has taken its foot off the gas on offense and it seems Oklahoma may have found something with quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who led the Sooners' first touchdown drive of the game with smart throws and tough running. Now Oklahoma has a chance to make it a one possession game, down 20-9, after forcing a third straight Tennessee punt. The Vols have had to punt the ball away on four of their five drives in the second half, and they have only had one possession that made it into Oklahoma territory. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 10:50 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

4Q: No. 6 Tennessee 22, No. 15 Oklahoma 9 (8:25)

Tennessee's streak without allowing an offensive touchdown ends at 19 quarters as Michael Hawkins Jr. hits Jovontae Barnes for a 2-yard touchdown. The point-after attempt, which was longer than usual because of a hands-to-face personal foul, was no good.

The Sooners' offense produced only 98 yards through three quarters, the program's lowest total since 2015. The Vols' defense has nine players combining for nine tackles for loss, an amazing stat that shows just how deep and talented they are across the front seven. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 10:39 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Oklahoma wasting a solid defense

The Sooners have mostly stood up to the task against Tennessee's high-flying offense. The Vols averaged more than 63 points per game entering tonight and have managed only 22 points. The Sooners have allowed 312 yards but the defensive line has been great, allowing just 2.7 yards per carry on 40 toes, and the secondary has given up only two big passing plays. The Vols have lost 35 yards on plays. The Sooners would easily be In this game with a competent offense, but that's not the case after a bad performance along the offensive line and a quarterback change at the end of the second quarter.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 10:30 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee in cruise control 

End 3Q: No. 6 Tennessee 22, No. 15 Oklahoma 3 

Tennessee has taken its foot off the gas offensively in the second half, but you can afford to do that when your defense is in complete control of the game. The Vols have now gone 19 straight quarters without allowing an offensive touchdown. If the Sooners can't find the end zone in the fourth quarter, that would extend Tennessee's streak to five consecutive games, dating back to its Citrus Bowl win against Iowa. 

The Sooners have 98 total yards of offense and are averaging a paltry 0.7 yards per rush. Quarterback Michael Hawkins has provided a bit of a spark, but he doesn't have much time to operate before Tennessee's defensive line breaks through and causes pressure. The Vols are likely going to play ball control and grind this one out, given the environment and the fact that they've already picked up a couple injuries. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 10:15 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee tacks onto lead 

Mid 3Q: No. 6 Tennessee 22, No. 15 Oklahoma 3 

Tennessee seems content on letting its stifling defense win this game. The Vols had a huge 42-yard connection between quarterback Nico Iamaleava and wide receiver Bru McCoy to move the ball deep into Oklahoma territory. But from there, they ran the ball three straight times for a gain of five yards and settled for a 41-yard field goal from kicker Max Gilbert. It was still good enough to give Tennessee a three -lead with just over 20 minutes left to play and, with how Oklahoma has looked offensively, that might be too deep of a hole for the Sooners to dig out of. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 10:07 pm ET · Will Backus]

Oklahoma sticks with QB change 

It appeared for a moment as if Jackson Arnold might return at quarterback for the Sooners, but Oklahoma decided to stick with true freshman Michael Hawkins for its first offensive possession in the third quarter. The Sooners subsequently went three-and-out and had to punt from deep inside their own territory. Hawkins did complete a screen pass to wide receiver Deion Burks that went for eight yards, but it came up well short of the first down marker on third-and-long. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 9:54 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Oklahoma has no identity on offense; Vols' defense continues mean streak

Oklahoma managed only 80 yards in the first half, but more damning are the numbers in the second quarter. The Sooners had 10 straight plays for zero or negative yardage and finished the second quarter with minus-20 yards. That stretch included two turnovers and quarterback Jackson Arnold being benched in favor of Michael Hawkins Jr. 

Tennessee's defensive has been fantastic all season, especially in the trenches. The Vols haven't allowed an offensive touchdown in 18 straight quarters dating back to last season's shutout of Iowa in the bowl game.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 9:42 pm ET · Will Backus]

Sooners QB Jackson Arnold benched before half

Halftime: No. 6 Tennessee 19, No. 15 Oklahoma 3

Oklahoma benched starting quarterback Jackson Arnold for its last drive of the first half, turning to true freshman Michael Hawkins in his stead. Arnold had a nightmare 30 minutes against Tennessee's defense, turning the ball over three times -- including two fumbles -- while throwing for just 54 yards. One of his fumbles came inside Tennessee's 5-yard line, and the other allowed the Vols to embark on a 46-yard touchdown drive as time expired in the second quarter. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 9:29 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee opening this one up 

Late 2Q: No. 6 Tennessee 19, No. 15 Oklahoma 3 

It took a while, but Tennessee's running game is starting to hit its stride. Running back Dylan Sampson exerted his will on the Vols' latest drive, despite running behind a banged-up offensive line, and just gave his team a two-possession lead with less than two minutes to play in the second quarter. Sampson had all eight of Tennessee's touches on that scoring drive and turned in 46 yards. He powered through a tackle from star Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman to score on his 1-yard touchdown. If Tennessee can keep doing that, it's going to be a very long night for Oklahoma. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 9:18 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee's offensive line barely holding on

Before the game, Tennessee starting left tackle Lance Heard was ruled out. Then, early in the second quarter, the Vols lost starting right tackle John Campbell Jr. to an apparent knee injury. The Vols' blows along the offensive line are starting to show. Tennessee isn't running the ball as well as it normally does, and quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been subjected to two strip sacks. It's also clearly affecting Tennessee's play-calling. The Vols have tried to take a lot of quick shots and easy screen plays, but the Sooners are all over it. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 9:12 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Oklahoma going backwards

Oklahoma's last eight plays have gone for zero or negative yardage. Credit the Tennessee defense, especially that defensive line, which has a safety, but the Sooners have issues along the offensive line. Jackson Arnold nearly got the Sooners out of trouble on third-and-12 but tight end Bauer Sharp dropped a pass behind him on an Arnold scramble and throw.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 9:10 pm ET · Will Backus]

Jackson Ross is having a night for Tennessee

Punters don't often get celebrated, but Tennessee's Jackson Ross deserves a special shout. He's having a huge night for the Vols and has flipped field position multiple times. He had one punt downed at Oklahoma's 4-yard line that led to a safety, giving Tennessee its current 12-3 lead. He also just had one boot travel 56 yards to Oklahoma's 30-yard line, denying the Sooners advantageous field position after they stopped Tennessee's offense inside its own 15-yard line. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 9:02 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Oklahoma starter Kendel Dolby injured

Oklahoma likely just lost one of its top defensive players, Kendel Dolby, who plays the hybrid Cheetah spot. A cart is on the field for him as medical staff evaluate him on the field. Tennessee is backed up on its own 6-yard line when play resumes with 8:58 remaining in the second quarter.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 8:58 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee defense strikes again 

Mid 2Q: No. 6 Tennessee 12, No. 15 Oklahoma 3 

Tip of the cap to Tennessee's special teams unit. Punter Jackson Ross had a beautiful boot to flip the field and pin Oklahoma at its own 4-yard line. A quick false start call on the Sooners put them even closer to their own goal line. In such a dire situation, Oklahoma tried to run the ball to gain some breathing room. But as it has done often, Tennessee's defensive line knifed into the backfield and tackled Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes before he could get out of the end zone. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 8:44 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Oklahoma unable to take advantage of huge opportunity

Oklahoma started to lose the crowd a bit, and then safety Robert Spears-Jennings blitzed from the blind side and stripped the ball from Nico Iamaleava for a fumble, which was recovered by Ethan Downs at the 5-yard line. On the very next play, quarterback Jackson Arnold coughed it up on a fumble, handing the ball right back to the Vols. The Sooners have to take advantage of prime opportunities like that against this Vols offense and they stubbed their toe -- just as they have most of this season. They might get away with it against Houston and Tulane, but the Vols can make you pay -- quickly.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 8:30 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee leads after one 

End 1Q: No. 6 Tennessee 10, No. 15 Oklahoma 3 

Tennessee had been plodding on offense for a majority of the first quarter, but the Vols just hit on the explosive plays that we have come to expect from them -- and at an opportune time. After Oklahoma marched down the field to tie the game with a field goal, Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava delivered a perfect strike to wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr., who ran a deep route over the middle of the field and outraced Oklahoma's secondary for a 66-yard touchdown. 

That was the longest play of the day for either team. Tennessee has used the middle of the field well thus far, when it's drawn those types of plays up. Iamaleava also completed a deep slant route to wide receiver Bru McCoy for 35 yards earlier in the first quarter. 

Oklahoma will have the ball to open the second quarter. After a shaky start, it seems that quarterback Jackson Arnold has found his footing a bit. The Sooners have also been able to get some successful plays along the perimeter against Tennessee's defense. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 8:25 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

1Q: No. 6 Tennessee 3, No. 15 Oklahoma 3 (:33)

Oklahoma ties the game following a solid drive that featured some great speed by the Sooners on the edge and in the middle of the field. The Sooners, however, stalled at the 20-yard line when Javontae Barnes was stuffed on third-and-1. Jackson Arnold completed throws of 11 and 9 yards, and Barnes sparked the drive with a 17-yard run. Deion Burks also had a nice 7-yard run on an end-around, and he caught a 9-yard pass to make It third-and-1 at the 20. It seems like OU has the speed to match Tennessee on offense and defense, which many didn't necessarily expect.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 8:17 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee takes an early lead 

Late 1Q: No. 6 Tennessee 3, No. 15 Oklahoma 0 

This one might be a rock-fight, folks. Tennessee likely would have wanted more points after getting the ball thanks to a Jermod McCoy interception, but the Vols were still able to open the scoring with a 27-yard field goal from kicker Max Gilbert. Tennessee had first-and-goal on Oklahoma's 10-yard line after a huge completion to Bru McCoy, but the Sooners were able to buckle down and force the kick. That's a huge win for Oklahoma's defense, which has already been on the field often with the Sooners' offensive struggles thus far. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 8:08 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee defense making impact plays 

Tennessee's offense has yet to find its footing -- it may take quarterback Nico Iamaleava some time to get rhythm in his first true road start -- but the Vols' defense is making some serious flash plays. Cornerback Jermod McCoy just notched the first interception of his Tennessee career on a bad Jackson Arnold throw and returned it to the 50-yard line. Tennessee's offense now has another prime opportunity to score thanks to a turnover forced by the defense. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 8:06 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Oklahoma's defense up to the task early

The Sooners are pursuing and sniffing out plays with speed and anticipation. The Vols have struggled to move the ball on two possessions, managing only five yards, with a few big stops In open space, Including a drive-ending drop of Squirrel White on a 7-yard throw out of the backfield. You expected Brent Venables' defense to be schemed up for quality preparation, but even a better sign here early for the Sooners is the fact that they can match the Vols' speed In the open field.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 8:01 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee defensive line already imposing its will 

Tennessee's defensive line has been one of the standout units during the young college football season, and the Vols are already showing out in the trenches early. Defensive lineman Tyre West just ripped through Oklahoma's offense to get the first sack of the game, forcing the Sooners into a third-and-16 on their second drive of the game. Oklahoma had to punt after its third-down pass fell short of the sticks. Tennessee also has three tackles for loss already and Oklahoma has just one rushing yard. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 7:51 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Tennessee's defense holds on first possession

Oklahoma was able to dig out of a deep hole on second-and-long to pick up a first down, but then stalled at midfield and on fourth-and-2, the Sooners failed to pick up a first down as Jerrod McCoy broke up a pass Intended for Nick Anderson. The Vols take oer at midfield on the turnover on downs. Let's see what this electric Tennessee offense, which has averaged 63.7 points per game this season, can do against Brent Venables' defense.

[Sep 21, 2024 at 7:45 pm ET · Will Backus]

Oklahoma set to get things started 

Tennessee won the toss and deferred to the second half, so Oklahoma will open with the ball. It's a great chance for the Sooners to drive down the field and make a statement in front of an energetic home crowd. This will be a physical game between two of the best defenses in the league, so any sort of points should come at a premium early. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 7:21 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee without key offensive lineman 

Tennessee offensive lineman Lance Heard, who started the first two games at left tackle for the Vols, was listed as out on Tennessee's final injury report ahead of Saturday's game. Heard missed Tennessee's Week 3 win against Kent State with an ankle injury. Without Heard, Dayne Davis is in-line to start at left tackle for Tennessee. Davis has plenty of experience, and has started against the likes of Alabama throughout his career, but the Vols are short on proven offensive line depth and could find themselves in a bit of trouble if other injuries stack up. 

[Sep 21, 2024 at 7:15 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee vs. Oklahoma prediction 

There are some concerns with this being an away game for Tennessee. The Vols haven't particularly been great in big games on the road under Josh Heupel, and this will be quarterback Nico Iamaleava's first start in a truly hostile environment. But this seems like a perfect matchup for Tennessee. Oklahoma's offensive line hasn't been great. The Vols have one of the best defensive lines in the country. Oklahoma has struggled to consistently put points on the board. Tennessee has punted just twice. Both defenses are really good, so this one might be a slugfest early, but Tennessee's offense will hit on enough plays to walk out of Norman with the win.  Pick: Tennessee -7 (-107)

Tennessee vs. Oklahoma live stream, where to watch, TV channel, prediction, pick, spread, football game odds

Will Backus