It’s a heavyweight showdown in Norman on Saturday night. The Oklahoma Sooners host the Tennessee Volunteers in a top-15 matchup. It’s a game that features the return of Josh Heupel and, more importantly, a battle of former five-star quarterbacks.
The Tennessee Volunteers boast the No. 1 offense in the country. Oklahoma’s defense has a big challenge ahead of them as they take on one of the top rushing offenses in the country. Oklahoma’s ability to slow down the run will be critical to the Sooners success. But for ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, it comes down to the offensive side of the ball and quarterback Jackson Arnold.
The Oklahoman’s Colton Sulley spoke with Finebaum ahead of this big-time matchup that Arnold holds the key to Oklahoma’s success.
This game is so much about Jackson Arnold. He just has to be consistent. I like him very much. I had a chance to talk to Jackson two weeks ago and was impressed with his poise, his demeanor, what he said, how he said it, but that doesn’t scrape away what he’s done so far, and he’s not been great. So, he has to play probably close to a perfect game, he can’t make mistakes, he can’t turn the ball over. He can’t give away points. The problem with Tennessee is they score. They score with abandonment. And as good as OU’s defense is, you can’t throw away a possession because you’re not going to get it back. And unless you get points on the defensive side, you’re in trouble. – Paul Finebaum to The Oklahoman
Jackson Arnold has been solid in his first three starts of the 2024 season, especially when you consider he hasn’t had his full complement of wide receivers or much health along the offensive line. But he showed a lot more comfort in the offense last week against Tulane.
Aside from the interception returned for a touchdown, Arnold was really good, leading the Sooners in rushing yards and helping the offense score 34 points, their most since week one.
But this week against Tennessee marks the biggest test in Arnold’s young career. If he can play poised and under control, the Sooners offense will have an opportunity to make plays against the Tennessee defense.
More: Sooners Wire staff predicts Oklahoma vs. Tennessee
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