Tennessee coach Josh Heupel achieved victory in his return to Oklahoma, where he played quarterback and helped the team win a national championship in 2000. He was also fired as offensive coordinator after the 2014 season. On Saturday night, Nico Iamaleava threw for 194 yards, leading the sixth-ranked Volunteers to a 25-15 win over the Sooners.
After the game, Iamaleava brought the game ball to Heupel.
Dylan Sampson rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown, Dont’e Thornton Jr. caught a 66-yard touchdown pass, and Bru McCoy had four receptions for 92 yards for the Volunteers.
Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) held No. 15 Oklahoma to 222 yards in the Sooners’ first-ever SEC game.
Jovantae Barnes scored a rushing touchdown and caught a touchdown pass for Oklahoma (3-1, 0-1). Michael Hawkins Jr. passed for 132 yards after replacing starter Jackson Arnold, who completed 7 of 16 passes for 54 yards and threw an interception before being benched.
Oklahoma defensive back Kendel Dolby was carted off the field in the second quarter after suffering a serious injury to his lower right leg.
Oklahoma recovered fumbles from Iamaleava twice in the second quarter, but Arnold fumbled the ball back to Tennessee on the very next play both times. He was benched late in the second quarter after completing 7 of 16 passes for 54 yards and an interception.
During the second quarter, Oklahoma gained minus-20 yards while Tennessee built a 19-3 lead by halftime.
Tennessee was ahead 22-3 when Hawkins drove the Sooners down the field and connected with Barnes for a 2-yard touchdown pass.
However, the extra point attempt failed due to a personal foul penalty, making it a 35-yard kick. This ended Tennessee’s streak of 19 consecutive quarters without allowing a touchdown, dating back to last season.
