On Saturday night, Tennessee football returns to Neyland Stadium to square off with Oklahoma in a top-20 showdown. The Vols will meet the Sooners in Knoxville at 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on ABC.
Ahead of each Tennessee game, we’ll talk to someone who covers the Vols’ opponent that week. This week, OUInsider reporter Jesse Crittenden talked Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, the Sooners’ strengths and weaknesses and more.
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John Mateer has been back for a couple of games now after his injury. How different has he looked in those games compared to before his surgery?
“John Mateer just simply hasn’t been the same guy in the last three games since that injury. He’s averaging 191 passing yards and has just two passing touchdowns and three interceptions over that stretch. But it hasn’t just been the lack of production. The decision making has been suspect, too. Combine that with the lack of rushing production, and there just hasn’t been much to be excited about.
“It’s not fair to blame everything on the injury. Part of it is simply playing against better SEC defenses. But Mateer has been more hurtful than helpful the last three weeks.”
What’s the biggest strength of this team? Weakness?
“The biggest strength is the defense, specifically the defensive line. The Sooners have a true four-man rotation at defensive tackle that rivals any other interior group in the SEC, and maybe the country. It’s the biggest reason why OU ranks first nationally in tackles for loss, second in sacks and sixth in rushing defense.
“The weakness has been the tight end group. It’s one of the worst position groups in the Power 4. Jaren Kanak has cooled off since his hot start to the season, and that’s left the tight end group both unproductive in the passing game and largely unhelpful in the blocking department.”
How different is this team from last year? Notable returners Tennessee fans probably remember from last year?
“At least to this point, OU is simply just a little bit better on both sides of the ball compared to a year ago. The defense was good last year and has been elite (for the most part) this year. The offense was beyond awful a year ago; now, it’s closer to average(ish) this year. The offensive side of the ball is essentially brand new, but the defense has a lot of the same guys from a year ago. Defensive linemen Jayden Jackson, David Stone, Gracen Halton, Damonic Williams and R Mason Thomas are back on the defensive line, and safeties Robert Spears-Jennings and Peyton Bowen are both starters after seeing a lot of playing time a year ago.”
Who are the new pieces Vol fans should know that weren’t on the team last year or didn’t play a big role?
“Outside of Mateer, true freshman running back Tory Blaylock is the key name to know. He leads the team in carries and rushing yards, though second-year running back Xavier Robinson has emerged the last couple of weeks. On defense, the key new player is Oklahoma State transfer linebacker Kendal Daniels, who has become one of the five-most important players on this defense.”
How do you see this one playing out? What will OU need to do to win?
“For OU, this is a very similar situation to Ole Miss a week ago. The Vols have an elite offense and have been one of the most explosive in football, while the defense has taken a step back from a year ago.
“There were two things that cost OU against Ole Miss. The defense allowed too many explosive passing plays, and the offense didn’t do enough to take advantage of Ole Miss’ struggles in the secondary. For OU to win, they have to generate pressure against Joey Aguilar, and the offense has to establish the run and make things easier for Mateer in the passing game.
“On a neutral field, I’d say this is a true coin-flip game. But with this game being at Neyland Stadium in primetime, I’ll give the edge to Tennessee in a one-score game.”
