The Associated Press
TENNESSEE (2-0) at No. 4 OKLAHOMA (2-0), 8 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Oklahoma by 20½.
Series Record: Tied 1-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Sooners need a convincing win to help strengthen the Big 12’s case against the Southeastern Conference when it comes time for the playoff conversation. Oklahoma’s pride is on the line, too, since coach Bob Stoops has been vocal in saying the SEC isn’t so much better than everyone else. Tennessee has a golden opportunity to return to past glory in Butch Jones’ second year.
KEY MATCHUP
Jalen Hurd vs. Oklahoma front seven. Hurd, Tennessee’s 6-foot-3, 227-pound freshman running back, is a bruiser. He ran for 83 yards and a touchdown last week against Arkansas State. He could take pressure off QB Justin Worley. Oklahoma has allowed 148 yards rushing in its first two games combined.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tennessee: Worley. The 6-4, 220-pound senior has completed 65 percent of his passes for 520 yards in his first two games with five touchdowns and one interception. If he can stay on his feet, he’s capable of doing damage.
Oklahoma: WR Sterling Shepard. The junior caught eight passes for 177 yards and a touchdown last week against Tulsa. QB Trevor Knight trusts Shepard enough to sometimes throw the ball up and allow his star to make a play.
FACTS & FIGURES
Oklahoma has won six straight games dating back to last season. … Oklahoma is 37-2 against non-conference teams at home under Stoops. … In the last meeting between the teams, Oklahoma beat Tennessee 26-24 in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 1968. … Oklahoma CB Zack Sanchez has four interceptions in his past five games. … Tennessee opponents have converted just seven of their 31 third-down situations through the first two weeks of the season. … Tennessee’s last road win over a ranked opponent came against No. 10 Georgia on Oct. 7, 2006.
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