SEC play has arrived for Tennessee. After three straight wins, things are getting serious now – and the Open couldn’t be filled with better stories. Josh Heupel returns to Norman, where he won the National Championship as a quarterback and was an assistant coach. Heupel, who eventually became Oklahoma’s co-offensive coordinator, was fired in 2014.

Now he’s leading his sixth-ranked Volunteers back to Oklahoma, which must feel a little strange for him. Can he lead Tennessee to a win over his alma mater? Our picks are in.

Terry Lambert: Tennessee 37, Oklahoma 23

This game has been in the spotlight for months for obvious reasons. Oklahoma’s first SEC matchup, Josh Heupel’s return, Nico’s first big road game – the storylines are numerous. And the narrative surrounding this game has changed after the first three weeks of play.

Tennessee has come out on top and come out on top in every way. The Volunteers have beaten both Chattanooga and Kent State by a wide margin, benching their starters early in both games. Tennessee also dismantled NC State in Charlotte and made a strong statement with its defense. Oklahoma? Well, it was a tough battle. The Sooners almost lost to Houston at home and struggled to beat a good Tulane team last week.

I think the difference in this game is Oklahoma’s struggles on the offensive line. That’s not a good position to be in against this strong, talented front. I think Tennessee had Jackson Arnold on his toes all night and they got it done sometime late in the third quarter.

Nick Carner: Tennessee 38, Oklahoma 27

Nico looked composed and in control of the offense, but he will undoubtedly see some looks from the Sooner defense that he has never seen before. I’m sure Heupel and Nico know that, but we’ll just have to wait and see how he reacts when it happens.

The matchup to keep an eye on is UT’s DL against OU’s injury-plagued offensive line. I imagine the Sooners will do everything they can to keep Tennessee’s defense on the field and unable to sub out. I’d love to see another high-level play from the offense that gives Tennessee an early lead. Keeping Jackson Arnold in check could prove to be a problem, but the front seven has the athleticism to keep an eye on him in the run game – I hope. This will be a closer game than many expect, but coming away with a win is, well, a win.

Craig Smith: Tennessee 34, Oklahoma 23

I have a feeling it will be (a little) like NC State, at least in the fact that the Vols don’t get going right from the start. OU takes an early lead with some momentum while the UT offense tries to hold its own in a challenging environment. But eventually the Vols’ talent takes over. Nico and his pass receivers find a rhythm to keep the offense going while the defensive line works on OU’s still-developing offense. Tennessee gets the stab in the back in the fourth quarter.

Matthew Seese: Tennessee 41, Oklahoma 31

Heupel against Venables; Nico against Arnold. This is probably the most spectacular game an Oklahoma player could wish for at the start of his time in the SEC. The headlines write themselves.

The difference in this game will be if Oklahoma can neutralize Tennessee’s running game. They need to make the Vols one-dimensional on offense or they won’t stand a chance, and my prediction is that I don’t think they can do that. These offenses will score, but I think a late turnover in favor of the Vols, whether it’s an interception or a strip sack, will make the difference and decide the game.

Expect a great game from Dylan Sampson. He has reached the century mark in all three games so far, so look forward to four wins in a row.

Connor Sexton: Tennessee 38, Oklahoma 24

Josh Heupel’s highly anticipated return to Norman has arrived, with plenty of storylines and stats to consider. Tennessee has not allowed an offensive touchdown in 16 consecutive quarters. That’s the third-longest streak in school history. Tennessee’s strong defensive line has played a role in that stat.

Oklahoma’s disadvantage is its offensive line, which averages just 4.3 yards per run. Tennessee’s defensive line is top-notch and can benefit from that. But what if Oklahoma shuts down the run and forces Nico to throw? Early mistakes are possible. Can Nico keep his cool and recover from mistakes? The running game will undoubtedly be a factor, as Tennessee has an impressive 24-2 record when rushing for at least 200 yards in a game.

Oklahoma has some key players who may be returning from injuries, such as some receivers and O-lineman Branson Hickman. But Tennessee is talented at many positions and ready to make a big statement. Heupel’s teams have generally had a tough time playing on the road, though. People point to the blowout win at LSU a few years ago, but that was a different situation.

The botched kickoff demoralized the crowd. For four whole quarters, the crowd never got as loud as it did in Georgia, South Carolina, or the Swamp. What makes this game different? Talent, leadership, or more reasons?

We haven’t seen the Vols tested for an entire game this season. We don’t know how the team will react until they’re in that situation. That said, I fully expect Tennessee to win and pull away in the fourth quarter. They’re the more talented team and Heupel is making a statement.