Vols insider drops update on key player that Tennessee will need in matchup against Oklahoma Sooners

The Tennessee Vols should have a key player back on Saturday for their matchup in Norman against the Oklahoma Sooners.

VolQuest's Austin Price joined 104.5 The Zone's Ramon, Kayla, and Will on Tuesday morning to discuss Tennessee's upcoming game against Oklahoma.

Price noted that Vols left tackle Lance Heard is expected to play against the Sooners on Saturday night.

Heard, a sophomore who transferred from LSU to Tennessee in January, missed the Vols' win against Kent State this past Saturday after playing 63 snaps against NC State the previous weekend.

"Lance Heard, I was told, last week could've played against Kent State," said Price. "But there was no reason to (play Heard), not when he kinda dinged up his ankle a little bit. Nothing high, it was a low deal. Low ankle."

"It was treat, treat, treat between NC State and Oklahoma," added Price. "He'll be fine. Again, could've played last week, but there was no reason to put him in a weird spot."

Price also noted that Tennessee shouldn't be without any key starters against the Sooners.

Redshirt senior Dayne Davis played at left tackle against Kent State in Week 3 in place of Heard. Davis played well -- he was actually Tennessee's highest graded offensive lineman in pass blocking (81.2 per PFF) -- but Heard is obviously the more talented player. Getting him back for a key road matchup against Oklahoma will be huge for the Vols' offensive line.

Tennessee's in a good spot health wise entering conference play. That's huge for the Vols considering this might be the most important game of the season for Tennessee. If the Vols can get a win against Oklahoma, their path to the College Football Playoff will get significantly easier.

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