(This article has been updated with new information.)
UPDATE: The Oklahoma Sooners dropped their SEC debut to the Tennessee Volunteers 25-15 in Josh Heupel's return to Norman on Saturday night.
NORMAN —The last time OU and Tennessee faced off, it was a classic.
In 2015, the Sooners trailed 17-3 after three quarters before Baker Mayfield showed the magic that he became known for, hitting Sterling Shepard for a game-tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation and then again in the second overtime.
"The atmosphere was just incredible," former Sooners cornerback Zack Sanchez said this week.
Sanchez's interception ended the game.
5 TAKEAWAYS:OU football falls in SEC debut as Tennessee topples Sooners in Josh Heupel's return
Watch Oklahoma vs. Tennessee live with Fubo (free trial)
When OU and Tennessee go head-to-head Saturday, the teams will look plenty different.
Josh Heupel, the last OU quarterback to win a national title, is the Volunteers' head coach. Former OU quarterback Joey Halzle is Heupel's quarterback coach/offensive coordinator.
Saturday is also the Sooners' first-ever SEC game.
"It brings a whole lot of extra added excitement," Sanchez said. "Something's gonna get shown on Saturday.
"I got total confidence in our guys and I think that defense is gonna show the nation exactly how good we are."
Mussatto:OU football lays egg in SEC debut vs Tennessee. Can Sooners right ship soon?
OU vs Tennessee score updates
| 🨀 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| TENNESSEE | 10 | 9 | 3 | 3 | — | 25 |
| OKLAHOMA | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 | — | 15 |
More:Greg Sankey's first OU football game day 'felt like a Saturday night in the SEC'
FINAL: Tennessee 25, Oklahoma 15
The Sooners fall in the first SEC game as Josh Heupel returns to Norman and leaves with a 25-15 win.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
1:09 left in 4Q: Tennessee 25, Oklahoma 15 | Michael Hawkins engineers wild TD drive
Michael Hawkins led the Sooners on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended in another trip to the end zone.
Hawkins just missed an acrobatic, flipping touchdown run, landing inches short of the goal line.
Jovantae Barnes then scored on a 1-yard run after a handoff from Jackson Arnold.
The Vols wrapped up a scrambling Hawkins on the 2-point try.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
More:Kirk Herbstreit on Oklahoma QB Michael Hawkins Jr.: 'This kid's your quarterback'
3:35 left in 4Q: Tennessee 25, Oklahoma 9 | Max Gilbert FG extends Vols' lead
After taking over at the OU 23, Tennessee goes nine yards in four plays before settling for a 32-yard field goal to go up 16 points.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
5:15 left in 4Q: Tennessee 22, Oklahoma 9 | Sooners turn it over on downs
Sack. Short run. Incomplete. Incomplete.
The Vols have a defense.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
6:28 left in 4Q: Tennessee 22, Oklahoma 9 | Nico Iamaleava, Vols' offense held in check
Credit the OU defense for keeping the Sooners within striking distance.
The Vols, who have 321 yards of total offense, punt for the eighth time tonight.
Nico Iamaleava is only 13-for-20 passing for 194 yards with a touchdown.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
8:25 left in 4Q: Tennessee 22, Oklahoma 9 | Michael Hawkins, Sooners' offense shows signs of life
OU's drought is over and so is Tennessee's streak.
After having his touchdown run overturned on replay, Michael Hawkins connected on a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jovantae Barnes. But a penalty on the 2-point conversion led to a missed point-after attempt, making it 22-9 Vols.
The Vols had gone 19 consecutive quarters without allowing a touchdown, the longest streak in school history.
Hawkins went 5-for-7 passing for 43 yards on the drive.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
11:55 left in 4Q: Tennessee 22, Oklahoma 3
Other than a 17-yard run from DeSean Bishop, the OU defense held the Vols in check for yet another drive.
But Josh Heupel and the Vols are now just running down the clock.
That drive went five plays for 15 yards but took 3:05 off the clock.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
15:00 left in 4Q: Tennessee 22, Oklahoma 3 | Sooners go five yards and punt
At least this time, OU gained positive yards.
The Sooners’ offense was once again toothless, finishing with just 16 yards in the third quarter —minus-11 rushing —as Tennessee built a big lead heading into the fourth quarter that figures to start with an OU punt.
OU ran for 46 yards in the first half but is minus-29 since then.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
1:51 left in 3Q: Tennessee 22, Oklahoma 3 | Vols punt again
After allowing a field goal on the previous drive, OU’s defense came up with another stop.
Tennessee came into the game having punted just three times on the season, but the Sooners have forced six Volunteers’ punts.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
4:16 left in 3Q: Tennessee 22, Oklahoma 3 | Luke Elzinga punts for sixth time
The Sooners’ offense once again couldn’t manage much.
OU was helped by a face mask penalty by Joshua Josephs but that first down ended the Sooners’ offensive progress as they punted four plays later.
Luke Elzinga has six punts.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
6:03 left in 3Q: Tennessee 22, Oklahoma 3 | Max Gilbert FG extends Vols' lead
Max Gilbert helped the Volunteers extend their lead, with a 41-yard field goal with 6:30 remaining in the third quarter.
Nico Iamaleava hit Bru McCoy for a 42-yard gain on the second play of the drive before three consecutive stops by Lewis Carter forced the Vols to kick a field goal.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
8:52 left in 3Q: Tennessee 19, Oklahoma 3 | Sooners' offense struggling with Michael Hawkins, Jackson Arnold at QB
The Michael Hawkins offense hasn’t been much more productive than the Jackson Arnold defense.
The Sooners went three-and-out on their opening drive of the second half, punting yet again.
Hawkins did complete and 8-yard pass to Deion Burks on the drive,. but it came on third-and-13.
The Sooners are 1 of 8 on third down.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
10:26 left in 3Q: Tennessee 19, Oklahoma 3 | Sooners' defense keep Vols at bay
OU’s defense started the second half with another big stand, forcing a punt.
The Sooners were helped by a Tennessee holding penalty on what appeared to be a long gain by the Vols.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
HALF: Tennessee 19, Oklahoma 3 | Michael Hawkins replaces Jackson Arnold at QB for Sooners
OU’s offense showed at least a glimmer of life after a quarterback change, but the ultimate result wasn’t too much different.
Michael Hawkins Jr. had a couple of runs for positive yards after muffing the first-down snap, but it wasn’t enough for the Sooners to pick up a first down.
The Sooners have minus-20 yards of offense in the second quarter after gaining 102 in the first.
OU was 1 of 5 passing in the quarter, with their only completion going for a 2-yard loss.
Tennessee ran out the remaining seven seconds left before halftime.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
More:Michael Hawkins Jr. replaces Jackson Arnold as OU football QB vs Tennessee
1:25 left in 2Q: Tennessee 19, OU 3 | Sooners turn to Michael Hawkins at QB
It'sMichael Hawkins Jr.time.
OU's true freshman quarterback replacedstarter Jackson Arnoldin the second quarter as theSooners trailed Tennessee 19-3.Arnold has completed 7 for his 16 passes for 54 yards and an interception and he's lost two fumbles.
—Colton Sulley, Staff writer
1:40 left in 2Q: Tennessee 19, OU 3 | Vols extend lead after Sooners' turnover
This time, Tennessee took advantage of a turnover.
Dylan Sampson spun and fought for a 1-yard touchdown run to cap an eight-play drive that ended with 1:40 left before halftime.
The drive was all Sampson, who carried eight consecutive times for 46 yards.
After a slow start, Sampson is up to 55 yards on 12 carries.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
5:27 left in 2Q: Tennessee 12, Oklahoma 3 | Jackson Arnold's backwards pass recovered by Vols
Disaster struck once again for OU’s offense after a big play by the Sooners’ defense.
On first down, Tennessee brought pressure, and Jackson Arnold looked for a quick pass to freshman Zion Ragins.
Ragins dove for the play but couldn’t come up with the ball, which was sent bouncing back into OU territory.
Officials ruled the ball a lateral —and a fumble —and after review, the call stood, giving the Volunteers the ball at the OU 46.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
More:Taylor Tatum injury update: OU football RB heads to locker room vs. Tennessee
6:38 left in 2Q: Tennessee 12, OU 3 | Sooners go three-and-out
Jackson Arnold looked like he’d pulled a rabbit out of his hat.
Arnold spun out of a potential sack on third down, and found tight end Bauer Sharp open for what would’ve been a first down.
Arnold put the throw in a good position, but Sharp couldn’t come up with it, and OU was forced to punt for the third time.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
More:Kendel Dolby injury update: Oklahoma DB carted off after gruesome lower-leg injury
7:23 left in 2Q: Tennessee 12, Oklahoma 3 | Sooners' defense makes stop after Kendel Dolby injury
After an emotional moment, with the Sooners’ leaving the sidelines to gather around the medical cart after Kendel Dolby’s injury, OU’s defense came up with a big stop.
The Sooners forced a punt from deep in Tennessee territory after giving up a safety.
Dolby suffered an apparent severe lower left leg injury on the first-down play from the Tennessee 6.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
9:12 left in 2Q: Tennessee 12, Oklahoma 3 | Vols force safety after Sooners' false start
After a penalty, Jovantae Barnes was brought down for a 2-yard loss in the end zone for a safety to stretch Tennessee’s lead to nine points.
Tennessee’s Jayson Jennings grabbed hold of Barnes’ legs and didn’t let go, as Barnes tried to twist out of it.
It was the first safety allowed by the Sooners since 2010 vs. Texas A&M.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
9:17 left in 2Q: Tennessee 10, Oklahoma 3 | Sooners force another punt
OU’s defense forced its third punt of the game, giving the Sooners the ball back after the offense turned the ball over deep in Tennessee territory.
Unfortunately for OU, the offense will have a long way to go.
Tennessee’s Jackson Ross’ punt went 57 yards, coming to rest at the OU 4.
The Volunteers have rushed for just 29 yards so far.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
13:44 left in 2Q: Tennessee 10, Oklahoma 3 | Jackson Arnold fumbles on first play of drive
The Sooners couldn’t take advantage of their big turnover.
On the first play after Tennessee’s fumble gave OU the ball at the Volunteers’ 5, Jackson Arnold coughed the ball up on a keeper, and it was recovered by Joshua Josephs to end the threat.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
13:50 left in 2Q: Tennessee 10, OU 3 | Ethan Downs recovers fumble
Robert Spears-Jennings and Ethan Downs teamed up with a massive play.
Spears-Jennings hit Nico Iamaleava from the blindside, popping the ball free where it was recovered by Downs at the Tennessee 5, giving OU a prime scoring chance.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
More:For Josh Heupel, getting fired from OU football set in motion rise to Tennessee | Mussatto
14:20 left in 2Q: Tennessee 10, OU 3 | Nothing going for Jackson Arnold, Sooners
The Sooners’ offense couldn’t respond to Tennessee’s touchdown, punting after picking up a first down on the series’ first play.
Luke Elzinga boomed a 64-yard punt for a touchback after back-to-back incomplete passes by Jackson Arnold.
Arnold is 6 of 13 for 56 yards so far.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
0:03 left in 1Q: Tennessee 10, Oklahoma 3 | Nico Iamaleava strikes back to give Vols lead
OU’s defense had slowed down Nico Iamaleava for much of the first quarter.
But not all of it.
Iamaleava hit Dont’e Thornton Jr. for a 66-yard touchdown with three seconds left in the first quarter.
It was the first touchdown the Sooners have allowed in the first quarter all season.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
0:33 left in 1Q: Oklahoma 3, Tennessee 3 | Sooners get on the board
After finally showing some offensive life, OU had to settle for a game-tying field goal.
Tyler Keltner hit a 37-yarder to give the Sooners their first points in SEC play with 33 seconds left in the first quarter.
Jovantae Barnes’ 17-yard run on second down was the big play on the drive, as the Sooners drove 40 yards before Barnes was stopped on third-and-1 at the 20.
OU is outgaining Tennessee 81-47.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
3:45 left in 1Q: Tennessee 3, Oklahoma 0 | Vols strike first
There are finally points on the board.
Thanks to a 38-yard pass to Bru McCoy, the Volunteers were able to get a field goal with 3:45 remaining in the first.
It could’ve been worse for the Sooners after Jackson Arnold threw an interception to give the Volunteers the ball back at midfield.
Nico Iamaleava hit McCoy for the big gain on second down, but then OU’s defense came up with three consecutive big plays to force the field goal.
On second down, OU’s Kani Walker had a golden chance at an interception after Nico Iamaleava looked to find Chris Brazzell II in the end zone, but Walker turned around and had a chance to make the play.
But Walker couldn’t handle it, and two plays later Max Gilbert hit a 27-yard field goal for the game’s first points.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
6:21 left in 1Q: OU 0, Tennessee 0 | Vols intercept Jackson Arnold
Jackson Arnold made a big mistake.
With Deion Burks running seemingly wide open down the field, Arnold instead tried to force a throw to J.J. Hester.
Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy was there, intercepting Arnold pass and returning it 16 yards to midfield.
Arnold is 3 for 6 for 24 yards so far.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
6:50 left in 1Q: OU 0, Tennessee 0 | Lewis Carter makes big stop for Sooners
Lewis Carter just came up with his biggest play as a Sooner.
On third-and-6 from Tennessee’s 47, Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava swung a lateral to his right to Squirrel White.
Carter was there.
Carter hit White hard, bringing him down for a 7-yard loss, Tennessee was also called for a personal foul penalty on the play, giving the Volunteers a fourth-and-28.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
8:30 left in 1Q: OU 0, Tennessee 0 | Sooners go three-and-out
Jackson Arnold had a rough second series.
First, the Sooners’ quarterback was brought down for a 2-yard loss to start the drive, then was sacked on second down by Tennessee’s Tyre West for a 4-yard loss.
Arnold recovered to hit Jake Roberts for a completion on third down, but the Sooners had to punt. giving Tennessee the ball on their own 43.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
10:36 left in 1Q: OU 0, Tennessee 0 | Nico Iamaleava and Vols go three-and-out
The Sooners’ defense passed its first test.
After the offense turned the ball over on downs, OU’s defense got a three-and-out.
Robert Spears-Jennings and Peyton Bowen came up to stop Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson at the line of scrimmage on third down, forcing the Volunteers to punt.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
12:21 left in 1Q: OU 0, Tennessee 0 | Sooners turn over on downs
OU looked like it had a monster start.
On the game’s third play, Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. jumped offsides and Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold reacted by throwing an apparent 76-yard touchdown pass to Brenen Thompson.
But officials stopped the play. Though Pearce was called for the penalty, Tennessee’s cornerback made contact with an OU receiver, making it a dead-ball penalty.
The Sooners picked up a first down on the next play, on an 18-yard pass to Deion Burks, but then the drive stalled.
Brent Venables opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 at midfield, but Arnold’s pass fell incomplete, giving the Volunteers the ball.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
Sooners honor Josh Heupel before OU vs Tennessee game
Tennessee coachJosh Heupelwas honored Saturday night before facingOU at Gaylord Family —Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
“Welcome Back Josh Heupel,” the video board said, along with a picture of Heupel after leading to theSoonersto a national championship win over Florida State to end the 2000 season.
Alongside was live video of Heupel during warmups.
Heupel tapped near his heart as he was acknowledged on the public address system and received a strong ovation from the crowd.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
Pregame update: Branson Hickman works with first OL group
If pregame warmups are any indication, Branson Hickman appears ready to return as OU’s center.
Hickman and fellow offensive lineman Jake Taylor were listed as game-time decisions on the final SEC availability report before the game, though Taylor mostly watched warmups.
Hickman, though, worked with the starting offensive line with Heath Ozaeta and Febechi Nwaiwu at guards and Jacob Sexton and Michael Tarquin at the tackle spots.
Wide receiver Nic Anderson appears ready to make his season debut after missing the first three games due to injury.
Cheetah Kendel Dolby, who missed last week’s game, also appears ready to return to the starting lineup.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
OU vs Tennessee time today
- Date:Saturday, Sept. 21
- Time:6:30 p.m.
- Location: Gaylord Family —Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
What channel is Oklahoma vs Tennessee game on today?
- TV channel:ABC
- Streaming:ESPN app |ESPN+|Fubo (free trial)
- Radio:KRXO-FM 107.7
The Sooners and Volunteers will face off in a game televised on ABC. Chris Fowler (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) will call the game from the booth while Holly Rowe will serve as the sideline reporter.
Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app, ESPN+ andFubo, the last of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
More:For Josh Heupel, getting fired from OU football set in motion rise to Tennessee | Mussatto
OU vs Tennessee history
- Series record: OU leads, 3-1
- OU's last win: Sept. 12, 2015 (31-24 2OT)
- Tennessee's last win: Jan. 2, 1938 (17-0)
OU vs Tennessee predictions
Ryan Aber, OU beat writer
Tennessee 31, OU 27
LIVING UP TO THE HEUP
Sooners hang with Vols until late but Josh Heupel’s offense too much in the end as Tennessee pulls out the victory.OU's defense stands tall at times but Nico Iamaleava and the Vols' offense proves to be too much.
Joe Mussatto, columnist
Tennessee 27, OU 21
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Tennessee spoils OU’s SEC debut. Josh Heupel gets win in return to Norman.
Colton Sulley, OU beat writer
Tennessee 38, OU 35
MEANS MORE
This is why OU joined the SEC, for these types of matchups being played at home. The Sooners' crowd steps it up, making this a reasonably tough road game for Tennessee. Jackson Arnold looks the part and the Sooners keep it close but Tennessee's offense rolls.
More:OU football vs Tennessee score prediction for Sooners-Volunteers in Week 4 SEC game
OU vs Tennessee betting odds
Game lines and odds fromBetMGMas of Saturday:
- Spread:Tennessee by 6.5
- Over/under: 57.5
- Moneyline:Tennessee -250, Oklahoma +200
More:Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux matches Danny Stutsman's $50,000 donation to OU teammates
OU vs Tennessee injury updates
The Sooners are hoping to have wide receiver Nic Anderson available for the first time this season. Anderson, who dressed out but did not play last week, is listed as probable on the SEC availability report. Wide receiver Andrel Anthony, cheetah Kendel Dolby, tight end Kade McIntyre and offensive lineman Troy Everett are also listed as probable. Offensive lineemen Branson Hickman and Jake Taylor are listed as questionable while Gentry Williams and Dasan McCullough are among the Sooners listed as out.
Tennessee's most significant injury is to starting left tackle Lance Heard, who is listed as out after missing last week's game.
OU vs Tennessee weather update
The temperature is expected to be around 94 at kickoff, with winds around 10 mph from the south. There is no chance of precipitation, according to the National Weather Service.
OU 2024 schedule
Here's a look at the Sooners’ full 2024 schedule, including available start times and TV channel information:
All times Central.
- Friday, Aug. 30:vs. Temple (W, 51-3)
- Saturday, Sept. 7:vs. Houston (W, 16-12
- Saturday, Sept. 14:vs. Tulane (W, 34-19)
- Saturday, Sept. 21:vs. No. 7 Tennessee* | 6:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- Saturday, Sept. 28:at Auburn*
- Saturday, Oct. 5:BYE
- Saturday, Oct. 12:vs. No. 2 Texas* (Dallas) | 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday: Oct. 19:vs. South Carolina*
- Saturday, Oct. 26:at No. 5 Ole Miss*
- Saturday, Nov. 2:vs. Maine | 1:30 p.m. |ESPN+, SEC Network +
- Saturday, Nov. 9:at No. 8 Missouri*
- Saturday, Nov. 16:BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 23:vs. No. 4 Alabama*
- Saturday, Nov. 30:at No. 16 LSU*Denotes SEC game
*Denotes SEC game
Tennessee 2024 schedule
Here's a look at the Volunteers’ full 2024 schedule, including available start times and TV channel information:
All times Central.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: Chattanooga (W, 69-3)
- Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. NC State (W, 51-10)
- Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. Kent State (W, 71-0)
- Saturday, Sept. 21: at No. 13 Oklahoma* | 6:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- Saturday, Oct. 5: at Arkansas*
- Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. Florida*
- Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. No. 4 Alabama*
- Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Kentucky*
- Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Mississippi State*
- Saturday, Nov. 16: at No. 1 Georgia*
- Saturday, Nov. 23: UTEP | Noon |ESPN+, SEC Network +
- Saturday, Nov. 30: at Vanderbilt *
*Denotes SEC game
OU football news
What is Josh Heupel's legacy with OU football? Tennessee coach reignited 'Sooner Magic'
For Josh Heupel, getting fired from OU football set in motion rise to Tennessee | Mussatto
Greg Sankey's first OU football game day 'felt like a Saturday night in the SEC'
Who has edge in OU football vs Tennessee? Breaking down key matchups in Sooners-Volunteers
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