By JACK CHURCH

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee's wide receivers had a night to remember against Kentucky.

For the first time since a win over Missouri in 2019, three Vols went for over 100 receiving yards. Mike Matthews, Braylon Staley and Chris Brazzell all accomplished the feat in an onslaught against a struggling Wildcat defense.

"I think we were just rolling on all cylinders," Matthews said. "I really think throughout the week, we really took advantage of our prep and took everything serious and got in the film room, and it all played out correctly."

Tennessee had the win locked up on the last drive of the game, allowing the Vols to draw up a play to push Staley over 100 yards. The gesture meant a lot to the redshirt freshman.

"They came up to me and the end of the game and was saying all three of us got it," Staley said. "I'm just like, 'dang, we've got to get a picture or something'."

All three receivers came together for a night in which quarterback Joey Aguilar threw for just shy of 400 yards. The Vols would like to have a similar performance against Oklahoma this Saturday.

Tennessee's tight ends also had a successful evening in Lexington. Ethan Davis came back from injury and caught two passes, including one for a touchdown. Miles Kitselman accounted for one reception, and tight ends coach Alec Abeln expects heavy but healthy competition in practice for playing time in an important game on Saturday.

"Everybody wants to play," Abeln said. "Everybody's going to get theirs. But that’s earned and I think it’s really cool to watch them in the room where you’ve got competition making guys push each other to get better, but still be able to support each other and cheer each other on.”

Kitselman has been an important part of Tennessee's offense this season, accounting for 23 receptions and 226 yards. With Davis back in the rotation, the Vols have even more versatility on offense.

They will need it to challenge an Oklahoma defense that is ranked among the best in the country. Although the Sooners struggled to stop Ole Miss, they still rank sixth in the country and first in the SEC in total defense, allowing 240 yards per game. On average, Oklahoma only allows 12.5 points per game, also best in the conference.

Of course, Ole Miss is the only high-octane offense Oklahoma has seen this year.

The Vols haven't seen a defense yet with the talent that Oklahoma will bring to Neyland Stadium on Saturday. Having 11 unified players behind a scheme that suits them is vital to score enough to keep up with Oklahoma's offense.

"Their defense is really talented," Matthews said. "I'm pretty sure they're one of the best in the SEC. So, I feel like it's going to be a good challenge for us as an offense, and we have to come ready to play."

Aguilar will face pressure like he did in the loss to Alabama. The Sooners had three sacks against Ole Miss. His decision-making will be vital against a Sooner team that takes advantage of every mistake. One thing the Sooners don't do often is create takeaways, so throwing an interception gives Oklahoma even more momentum.

The one difference between the Alabama game and this one is that the crowd will be on Tennessee's side. Being in a welcoming environment — alternate uniforms and all — could make a very big difference.

"It's going to be real electric, chaotic, a little bit of everything," Matthews said. "And it's Halloween, so I guess it's going to be a little spooky."