By NATE DeVILLE

The No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers kick off a pivotal month of November Saturday as they play host to the 18th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners in the first night game at Neyland Stadium this season.   

These iconic programs have met just three times. 

The Volunteers were victorious 25-15 in Norman in their last matchup last season, Oklahoma's first game in the Southeastern Conference.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has plenty of history with this week’s opponent, as he not only coached at Oklahoma for eight years, but also led the Sooners to a national championship victory in the 2001 Orange Bowl. Heupel was also named Associated Press Player of the Year and the Heisman trophy runner-up in his championship season. 

With his playing career far in the past, Heupel looks to beat his alma mater once again.

“Great week of football here this week. Obviously, a huge contest with a really good football team,” Heupel said. 

On the heels of back-to-back road games, the Vols make their return to Knoxville this weekend, and Heupel could not be happier. 

“Excited to be back in Neyland to see our fans…[we] need the Neyland effect to be a huge part of this football game.” 

Coach Brent Venables has led the Sooners into battle since the 2022 season and has faced the Volunteers just once in his time at Oklahoma.  

Venables reflected on the challenges his team faces this weekend against a talented Tennessee team. 

“[We’re] playing in an incredibly hostile environment this weekend,” Venables said.  “[Tennessee is] incredibly explosive on offense…they are really disruptive on defense…they got a really good football team right now that presents a great challenge for us.” 

Key matchup

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer vs the Tennessee defense. 

In his first season with the Sooners, transfer QB John Mateer has looked solid. Leading his squad to impressive victories over ranked Michigan and Auburn teams, Mateer showcased passing and running abilities at a pristine level early on. After suffering a hand injury earlier this season, Mateer’s production dropped a bit, but he still remains a threatening field general. If given ample time to stay in the pocket, Mateer possesses the tools to pick apart a flawed Volunteers secondary. 

The Volunteers' defense has experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows this season. From explosive fumble recoveries and pick sixes to backbreaking injuries, this defensive unit is a wild card each week. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ group gave up a discouraging 34 points to a far inferior Kentucky team last weekend, allowing five passing touchdowns from a freshman quarterback. Ranking last in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (266.3), the Vols’ secondary is the weak point of their team. Adding insult to injury, star Tennessee LB Arion Carter is listed as questionable with a turf toe injury. Tennessee’s pass rush, which is tied for the nation’s fourth most sacks this season, must continue to bear the brunt of the load, and make Mateer’s night difficult on Saturday. 

Tennessee can win if... 

For Tennessee to secure a crucial victory over the Sooners, the Vols must contain Oklahoma’s offense and limit Mateer. The Volunteers offense is poised to deliver in any game with Joey Aguilar at the helm. Complete with a dynamic trio of running backs and an excelling receiving core, this Tennessee offense has become dependable.  

The challenge in this game lies with the defense. If LB Arion Carter (questionable) suits up on Saturday, the Vols’ chances of victory will be greatly increased, but without Carter, they are in trouble. Regardless of their star ‘backer's status, Banks’ defense must step up in this game. If they can perform and outplay the Sooners’ offense, they will win the game. 

Oklahoma can win if...

The 18th ranked Sooners have a strong shot at victory in this game if they can continuously exploit Tennessee’s weakened secondary. High-caliber quarterbacks, Ty Simpson of Alabama and Gunner Stockton of Georgia found success in this blueprint, as they picked apart the Vols’ DB’s in victories earlier this season. If Oklahoma’s offensive line can hold their ground against Tennessee and give their QB time to deliver the ball to his playmakers, the Sooners could leave Knoxville with a massive W.