Might have a problem

[OrangeBeachVol]

Them and TX are SEC rookies. They think they know but they really don't. Some rude awakenings are ahead.

 

[Rocky Top T]

I see this game as a toss up. Nico will still be very young, so it will just depend on which team plays the best football on that day.

I might see this game differently if it was later in the season, and Nico had more starts under his belt.

However, I like the chances for this game to be Nico’s coming out party on the national stage. If I had to bet it, I’d bet on that, but I’d only have around 55% confidence.

Their QB is just as young

 

[Gandalf]

This man is hungry


#1 player in the nation is going to eat OU's new OL alive.

 

[onevol74]

I think this game hinges on how well our offensive line has gelled by that time and can play a consistent game. Very concerned that it appears that we are still looking at peices and not trying to gel as a unit at this time.

 

[Carp]

OU is gonna get a big dose of reality this year. I think they lose a minimum of 4 games.

 

[orangemadam]

Looking at it objectively, at this point I think this is a close loss leading to 9-3 record.

something in the 38-35 range.

 

[Mccage]

I think all of us think we’re a good team. Thinking it and beating a program like OU in their house is two different things. We need to take that next step as a program and start beating people at their house in major games; Heupel has built up an amazing record at home so far.

Maybe teams like LSU?

 

[Batman1948]

Home doesn’t shut down receivers or make interceptions.

You're right, but all coaches will tell you the advantages of having home field and crazy loud fans in the stand.

Crowd noise has always been a factor but having helmet communication just might negate some of the noise.

 

[butchna]

You're right, but all coaches will tell you the advantages of having home field and crazy loud fans in the stand.

Crowd noise has always been a factor but having helmet communication just might negate some of the noise.

Sure it’s an advantage. Hasn’t neutralized UGA at our crib in quite awhile, and our most epic (and recent) win occurred on their turf.

 

[JettVol]

Just need to jump on them early and often, just as another poster said, LSU 2022. Take the wind out of the sails early and we should win this game.

 

[DaddyChad]

Maybe teams like LSU?

That was a fun win against a good program. Consistency though. We’ve got to have that to take the next step.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

I think the fact that it’s Oklahoma, a top ten program/brand historically, has us sweating this one a little more than we should, honestly. If the shoe was on the other foot and we were replacing our entire offensive line and going up against the best rush end in the nation, there would be enough hand wringing in here to equal a Baptist church the day after Prohibition ended.

 

[90 Vol]

We're going to win.

 

[General Jack]

Yeah every fanbase does it but I do think it’s fair to question the fact that they’re replacing all of their starters from last year’s offensive line. That’s a really big deal and one that we’ll be able to exploit. Key to the win IMO. You might be able to get away with that in the Big 12 but that loses you games in the SEC.

This could very well be the key to the game. The opposite scenario from when we visited Norman in 2014 and we were exploited mightily.

 

[a vol n tears]

OU will be a big test to beat at home. Young QB, young secondary could spell issues right away. You’re going to have some growing pains with the young secondary early on imo; big reason they have brooks starting is you don’t want a younger player making sure everyone is in the right position especially early on especially on the road. Giving up some in athleticism at that position early in the year. Our dline though will be a problem for everyone this season. If Nico gets in a groove it will be hard to match points with us. This game should let us know what we’ve got though at every position.

I understand both teams will have games under their belt but at preseason looks, this is a good matchup for the Vols.
Tenn’s strength is their D line and Ok has an inexperienced O line
Tenn’s weakness is an inexperienced D secondary and Arnold has shown accuracy and turnover issues in his short career
Again, this is preseason looks and things can change. OU will probably have a very good defense but if our running game can work, I think the passing game will be very good. I think a new wrinkle will be the use of TEs considerably more than any previous Heupel year.

 

[wmcovol]

Them and TX are SEC rookies. They think they know but they really don't. Some rude awakenings are ahead.

The impact playing in the SEC isn’t 1 game. It’s the physical& emotional impact of playing a string of 2, 3 or 4 straight weeks of games in this league. I don’t know if Tennessee beats OU or not but I believe Auburn beats OU the following week at Auburn. They’ll also struggle with Alabama & LSU back to back toward the end of the season

 

[Jkm0920]

I understand both teams will have games under their belt but at preseason looks, this is a good matchup for the Vols.
Tenn’s strength is their D line and Ok has an inexperienced O line
Tenn’s weakness is an inexperienced D secondary and Arnold has shown accuracy and turnover issues in his short career
Again, this is preseason looks and things can change. OU will probably have a very good defense but if our running game can work, I think the passing game will be very good. I think a new wrinkle will be the use of TEs considerably more than any previous Heupel year.

I want this to be true, but TN's abililty to make inexperienced qb's look like world beaters weighs heavy.

 

[Erich]

Vegas currently has us a 3 point dog.
ESPN gives us a 40% chance to win.

Home field will get you a 3 point advantage so that is saying it’s basically a push. Which is fair.

ESPN can kizz my azz.

 

[DaddyChad]

I understand both teams will have games under their belt but at preseason looks, this is a good matchup for the Vols.
Tenn’s strength is their D line and Ok has an inexperienced O line
Tenn’s weakness is an inexperienced D secondary and Arnold has shown accuracy and turnover issues in his short career
Again, this is preseason looks and things can change. OU will probably have a very good defense but if our running game can work, I think the passing game will be very good. I think a new wrinkle will be the use of TEs considerably more than any previous Heupel year.

I feel pretty good about our chances but I don’t think it will be easy. If we just beat the piss out of them then we probably move way up in the rankings.

 

[cardvolfan]

OU will be a big test to beat at home. Young QB, young secondary could spell issues right away. You’re going to have some growing pains with the young secondary early on imo; big reason they have brooks starting is you don’t want a younger player making sure everyone is in the right position especially early on especially on the road. Giving up some in athleticism at that position early in the year. Our dline though will be a problem for everyone this season. If Nico gets in a groove it will be hard to match points with us. This game should let us know what we’ve got though at every position.

Nico was born to play on the road. Loves playing on the road. I think we win this in a game that is not necessarily a nail-biter.

 

[DeusExMachina]

Is it bad that I’m already stalking OU’s message boards? In my defense I’m making the trip to that game. Spoiler Almost none of them consider Tennessee one of their possible losses. It especially stung when mizzou made one such list.

Anyway, WGWTFA

Hey, what a coincidence. I'll be at that game, too!!!

 

[VolFanatic27]

Hey, what a coincidence. I'll be at that game, too!!!

Awesome, I’m hoping when it gets closer we can organize a meetup spot/tailgate. This is my first away game, really excited!

 

[#1HomeGrownUTVOL]

Nico was born to play on the road. Loves playing on the road. I think we win this in a game that is not necessarily a nail-biter.

I hope he turns out like some past Californians have. Like the Ice-Man CC! His road record was amazing! I hope it’s a “thing” with these Cool Headed Californians.

 

[butchna]

I want this to be true, but TN's abililty to make inexperienced qb's look like world beaters weighs heavy.

Outdated legacy.

 

[B81]

I have been struggling with this game. Ou should be better on defense, but their offense will take a step back. Losing their starting qb and OC, it may take them a few games to get rolling. Hopefully that happens after our matchup.