UT’s defense held Oklahoma to 222 yards of total offense
Norman, Okla. – Suffocating defense is Tennessee’s defense.
Much like the first three games of the season, UT’s defense hasn’t given a single opponent life. That production was on full display in its first conference game against Oklahoma.
However, Oklahoma took its chance on their opening drive when they tried to convert a 4th and 2 from their 50-yard line.
It didn’t turn out well.
Jermod McCoy was on hot pursuit of Nic Anderson as OU’s quarterback, Jackson Arnold looked to connect with his wide receiver.
Arnold took his chance and paid as McCoy was right there to break up the pass and force a turnover on downs.
That same pressure was true with Tennessee’s defensive front. On their next offensive drive, lineman Tyre West broke through for the sack and loss of four on the play. They would go on to punt on this drive a couple of plays later.
That marked his second on the season, his first came against UT-Chattanooga.
Next drive, Arnold tried McCoy again, and the QB him even more.
This time McCoy would collect his first interception as a Vol and return it 17 yards to the 50-yard line.
In the first quarter, the Tennessee defense held Arnold to 6-11 passing for 56 yards and an INT.
Arnold lost two yards after a short pass to Jovantae Barnes caught two yards behind the line of scrimmage.
With 1:40 left in the first half, OU’s head coach Brent Venables would make a massive change with player personnel.
Switching Arnold for freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins.
Arnold ended his night with just 54 yards passing, averaging 3.4 yards per pass and a QBR of 1.3.
His final three drives, all ended in fumbles.
His final play of the game came with 5:31 left in the 2nd quarter where he rushed left and Jakobe
Thomas recovered a fumble on a backward pass that
hit the turf, resulting in a 21-yard loss on the play. Thomas recovered at OU’s 46-yard line.
While Tennessee’s defensive backs were rather disruptive against the Sooners’ so too were the linebackers.
Linebacker Arion Carter recorded six tackles; one for a loss, and a pass breakup. Andre Turrentine, Christian Harrison, and Keenan Pili each registered five tackles.
Pili tacked on a tackle for loss and two quarterback hurries.
As a unit, UT’s defense registered three sacks and 11 TFLs.
This level of defensive efficiency has Full Disclosure’s Jimmy Hyams calling for Tennessee to be a National Championship contending team.