RTI Reaction: Takeaways From Tennessee Football’s Loss Against Oklahoma

Tennessee fell out of College Football Playoff consideration on Saturday night with a 33-27 loss against Oklahoma at Neyland Stadium.

The Vols severely outplayed Oklahoma in the first half but was unable to take advantage on the scoreboard. Tennessee totaled 156 more yards of offense in the first half but trailed 16-10 at the intermission thanks in large part to three costly turnovers.

A R Mason Thomas strip sack and scoop-and-score got Oklahoma on the board in the first quarter before Joey Aguilar threw a pair of second quarter interceptions that led directly to Oklahoma field goals.

“The turnovers, uncharacteristic,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said after the game. “And they turned them into points. And that’s a double whammy right there. Give credit to them.”

Despite five trips into scoring range in the first half, Tennessee totaled just 10 points. Max Gilbert missed a 37-yard field goal while two Aguilar turnovers ended drives in plus-territory. The inability to capitalize proved all the more costly in the second half when Tennessee struggled to create consistent success.

The kicking game also proved highly significant with Oklahoma’s Tate Sandell knocking through all four of his field goal attempts including three kicks of over 50 yards. Combined with Gilbert’s first half miss, the field goal kicking was the difference in Tennessee trailing by nine points and one possession.

Tennessee’s third loss of the season affectively pushes them out of playoff contention with matchups against New Mexico State, Florida and Vanderbilt remaining.

Following the game, RTI’s Ric Butler and Ryan Schumpert discussed the first half offensive miscues, the ramifications of the loss and much more. Check out the RTI Reaction here.

More From RTI: Everything Tennessee Football QB Joey Aguilar Said After Loss to Oklahoma