Vols Going ‘Dark Mode’ For Prime Time Matchup With Oklahoma

(utsports.com) Coming off an electric road victory at Kentucky, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with the media Monday afternoon to open the week as the No. 14 Vols (6–2, 3–2 SEC) prepare for a primetime showdown against No. 18 Oklahoma (6-2, 2-2 SEC) on Saturday night at Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

“Excited to be back in Neyland, see our fans, Dark Mode,” Heupel said. “Need the Neyland Effect to be a huge part of this football game on Saturday night.”

The matchup will mark the second time Oklahoma has played in Neyland Stadium, with the first meeting in Knoxville going into double overtime. The Sooners enter as one of the nation’s top defensive teams, while quarterback John Mateer leads a balanced offensive attack.

“Defensively, one of the top teams in the country in every statistical category,” Heupel said. “The front’s big, strong, physical, relentless – huge test. Offensively, dynamic quarterback that’s a playmaker. He does that through the air, does that with his legs. He’s got good skill around him, so huge test.”

Heupel emphasized the importance of correcting details from the Kentucky game while maintaining the same competitive edge that’s carried the Vols through a tough SEC slate.