Vols Face Stiff Challenge Against 4th Ranked Oklahoma

On Saturday, the Vols will try to notch their first 3-0 start since 2004.

But that will be a tall order, as Tennessee visits fourth ranked Oklahoma.

   In order to beat Utah state and Arkansas State, several of Tennessee’s top players have been on the field for a long time.

Said head coach Butch Jones,"We have too many players playing too many snaps right now. You look at Cam Sutton. He played almost 90 repetitions Saturday when you can’t in the special teams game. You can not do that."

Added Sutton,"I don’t expect anything different. I’m accustomed to playing 80 or 90 snaps a game."

   One player who will not be on the field against Oklahoma is receiver Von Pearson, who is out with a high ankle sprain.

That hurts because you need to be at full strength when you visit Norman, Oklahoma.

Said Jones,"Coach (Bob) Stoops has done an unbelievable job. He has been there for 16 years. 88-5 as a home record. We talk about creating a home field advantage. I would say that’s a home field advantage."

   Tennessee’s undersized defensive line has been effective so far this season.

But they’ll have a huge test against the Sooners offensive line.

Said Jones,"Very, very imposing offensive line. I’ve been told it will be one of the largest NFL lines. One of the largest lines in the National Football League."

Added defensive lineman Corey Vereen,"They’re definitely going to be trying to lean on you in the run game, so we’ll definitely have to anchor down and get ready for that run game."

   Oklahoma’s overall size and physicality concerns Coach Jones, especially since he has so many freshmen.

"You know half these guys were playing high school football last year. Will we be more physical a year from now or two years from now. Just a by-product of the strength and conditioning. Yes. But it’s not where we need it to be."
Kickoff is at 8pm on Saturday.