2. Stop the Run
It’s pretty simple, but Oklahoma’s chance of winning the increases dramatically if the can stop Tennessee’s ground game led by junior running back Dylan Sampson. Sampson has scored nine touchdowns through three games and is averaging nearly eight yards per carry.
He’s a critical part of the offense and a very talented player. Oklahoma’s approach should be to stop him and force Heupel to put the game on the right arm of former five-star QB Nico Iamaleava. This will be Iamaleava’s first true road game. He’s yet to be tested in the tense moments of a tight fourth quarter.
The Volunteers’ tempo and run game will try and do its best to wear down Oklahoma, but unlike in years past, where depth was a significant weakness, the Sooners can go three deep at almost every position on the defensive side of the ball.
3. Ride your horses
This key is probably the most important for the Sooners, but it will be the difference in this game. Oklahoma must live and die with Nic Anderson, Taylor Tatum, Jovantae Barnes, Deion Burks, and Bauer Sharp getting most of the offensive action.
That doesn’t mean that other players can and won’t get in on the action, but when it’s time to make a play, those guys should be the ones Littrell draws something up for.
In big games, play-callers often forget that football is simply about getting the ball in your best player’s hands and letting them be athletes.
Even on defense, the same can be said. Oklahoma will rely on Damonic Williams, Billy Bowman, Danny Stutsman, R Mason Thomas, and others on third down to make plays. They need to be on the field during those pivotal moments.
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