NORMAN – OU is a touchdown underdog in Saturday’s SEC opener against Tennessee (6:30 p.m., ABC).
That’s a rarity for the Sooners, who haven’t been considered such clear underdogs in a home game since facing Texas Tech in 1998, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
No top-ranked Sooners team has trailed by more than four points at home since at least 1978.
So how will the game end?
Here is a look at The OklahomanThe team’s predictions for the game:
More: What is Josh Heupel’s legacy at OU football? Tennessee coach rekindles ‘Sooner Magic’
Oklahoma vs Tennessee football score prediction
Ryan Aber, OU sports writer
Tennessee 31, OU 27
DOING JUSTICE TO THE HAY
The Sooners keep up with the Vols until the end, but Josh Heupel’s offense is too strong in the end and Tennessee takes the win. OU’s defense is strong at times, but Nico Iamaleava and the Vols offense are too strong.
More: Jackson Arnold vs. Nico Iamaleava: How the quarterbacks of OU and Tennessee fare in the game of week four
Justin Martinez, trends reporter
Tennessee 34, OU 20
PEARCE THE ARMOR
Tennessee spoils OU’s SEC debut. The Sooners’ offensive line struggles to contain James Pearce Jr., who records two sacks.
Joe Mussatto, columnist
Tennessee 27, OU 21
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Tennessee spoils OU’s SEC debut. Josh Heupel gets a win in his return to Norman.
Watch the OU vs Tennessee football game with Fubo
Jeff Patterson, sports editor
Tennessee 37, OU 34
ORANGE CRUSH
Nico Iamaleava jumps to the top of the Heisman favorites list after a flawless four-touchdown night ruins the Sooners’ SEC debut.
Colton Sulley, OU sportswriter
Tennessee 38, OU 35
MEANS MORE
This is why OU joined the SEC, as these types of matchups are at home. Sooners fans are going all out and making the road game pretty tough for Tennessee. Jackson Arnold is looking good and the Sooners are hanging in there, but Tennessee’s offense is on fire.
More: Which OU football players are listed on the SEC injury report for the Tennessee game?
Jacob Unruh, deputy sports editor
Tennessee 34, OU 23
Rocky road
The Sooners are getting a tough reception in the SEC as Josh Heupel and the Volunteers once again put up strong offensive numbers to continue their hot start.
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