A Tale of Familiar Faces: Tennessee Volunteers v Oklahoma Sooners

By Dorrington Myers

On Saturday, the Tennessee Volunteers took on the Oklahoma Sooners, coming away with the win, 25-15. This game had sentimental value, with a matchup of two coaches who once shared the same sideline. On one side was Josh Heupel , a former Sooner quarterback and National Champion, returning to his old stomping grounds for the first time as a visitor. Standing on the other side was Brent Venables , a defensive mastermind who was a Sooner assistant coach during that timeframe.

As the game got going, all eyes shifted to the signal callers, Nico Iamaleava and Jackson Arnold . Their performances would prove to be most influential for both of their seasons down the road, bringing past and present together.

By the numbers:

Iamaleava finished with an ok stat line, completing 13 of 21 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown. Arnold, on the other hand, struggled, going just 7 of 16 for 54 yards and an interception before being replaced by Michael Hawkins Jr . He provided an energy that the Sooners needed but it was too late. Hawkings Jr. completed 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Despite both offenses facing challenges, largely due to the strong defensive performances on both sides, Hawkins Jr.'s entrance injected fresh energy into the Oklahoma offense.

Performance under pressure:

The quarterbacks showed notable instincts early on, moving the pocket under pressure while managing to avoid costly mistakes. There were sacks given up, but both quarterbacks took care of the ball in the beginning. However, as the game progressed, things started to get out of hand, especially for Arnold. He ended the day with two fumbles and an interception, making it a rough outing, one that will likely end his time at Oklahoma .

Skills on display:

Iamaleava was confident with his mid-range passes, showing pro-level precision when his OC dialed it up. The defining moment came when he threw a beautiful dime to Dante Thornton Jr. , finding him in the middle of the field for a touchdown. It was a textbook throw that showcased his timing and accuracy. On the other side, Arnold started off strong but quickly faded, struggling to maintain his early momentum as the game wore on. This was critical as the game went on. Momentum quickly swung and stayed with the Vols.

Key moments:

The defining moment of the game was the overall performance itself. Tennessee’s defense stepped up in a big way, holding Oklahoma to under 100 total yards through the first three quarters—a dominant display that set the tone for the game.

Another critical factor was third-down conversions. The Vols struggled, going just 6 of 19, which kept Oklahoma within striking distance despite their offensive struggles. Tennessee's defense made the difference, but the offense left opportunities on the field. It makes a big difference.

Area of improvement:

Iamaleava faced a real test against Venables's defense, and though the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, the pressure was relentless. He had two fumbles that the Sooners failed to capitalize on, but what stood out was his ability to push through the adversity. Still, Iamaleava has to become more aware of his surroundings and keep both hands on the ball when moving in and out of the pocket. Those two turnovers could’ve easily turned into points.

As for Arnold, he needs to stay confident and protect the football. There were moments when he forced throws that weren’t there, and that’s where trouble starts. Both quarterbacks showed flashes, but there’s still plenty to work on.

Grade and outlook:

Iamaleava fought hard and earned a C+ as he faced constant pressure from start to finish. Arnold, however, couldn’t seem to find his groove and ended up with a rough D-. Hawkins Jr. showed flashes of what he can do, coming away with a C, but it’s clear he still has room to grow. The defense from both sides came ready to play, turning the game into a grueling gauntlet. They made life difficult for the offenses, constantly disrupting plays and keeping the quarterbacks under duress. Every yard was earned, and it was clear from the start that this was going to be a tough, gritty kind of game.

Conclusion:

Iamaleava showcased poise under pressure, and the ability to play through adversity. Hawkins Jr. showed flashes of why he could be better for the Sooners. The defenses stood tall, adding to the atmosphere that defines the SEC in Oklahoma's first conference game. This gritty victory was a testament to the toughness and talent on display in a conference where blowout wins are rare.