Sooners’ 2015 Football Schedule: Breaking Down the Non-Conference Slate

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Sep 13, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Eric Striker (19) chases Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) during the game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Sept. 12: Oklahoma Invades Tennessee

 Why OU Might Win

Tennessee returns a lot of starters, but Oklahoma has talent all over the field, especially on offense. Even though Lincoln Riley’s Air Raid will still be undergoing some growing pains in Week 2, OU’s running back talent will emerge and take control of the game, with Perine and Mixon sharing the load. The Sooner defense will return to its opportunistic ways and snag a couple of turnovers that will decide a tight game in Oklahoma’s favor.

Why OU Might Lose

The Volunteers are a puzzling team: they have recruited extremely well the past few years, yet are constantly on the cusp of breaking through and becoming competitive in the SEC. The Vols are desperate for a statement and program-defining win. A victory over a respected Oklahoma program at home would energize the program and set up a nice run in the SEC East.

The Vols are a young team, but return 18 starters from last year’s team. That experience, the home field advantage and the desire to finally break through with a signature win will pay dividends for the Vols on September 1,2 and they will emerge with a hard-fought victory over the Sooners.

Interesting Fact

Oklahoma and Tennessee first played in the 1939 Orange Bowl, a 17-0 Vols victory. The teams didn’t meet again until 1968, when Oklahoma squeaked out a 26-24 Orange Bowl victory over the Vols. Most recently, Oklahoma notched the largest margin of victory in the series with a 34-10 victory over the Volunteers in Norman on September 13, 2014.

Neyland Stadium is the eighth largest stadium in the world, with a capacity for 102,455 fans.

Next: Sept. 19: The Hurricanes Blow Into Norman