Josh Heupel’s return to Norman, Okla., was a successful one, but it wasn’t due to his flashy offense. He had to win a dogfight, and Tennessee Football delivered. The Vols, No. 6 in the AP Poll and No. 7 in the Coaches Poll, improved to 4-0 by winning their SEC road opener against the No. 15/13 Oklahoma Sooners. Here are five things we learned from the game.
1. Historically great defense continued.
Tim Banks’ defense was able to extend its streak without giving up a defensive touchdown to 19 quarters before finally surrendering one in the fourth quarter. That’s UT’s longest streak since shutting out 15 straight teams in 1938 and 1939, which included OU. Tennessee Football did so once again with a dominant defensive front and forced OU to bench Jackson Arnold in the first half.
2. Big plays on defense led the way.
The defensive dominance came mostly from big plays int he first half. UT stopped OU on fourth down on their first drive. Jermod McCoy had an interception on the second drive. In the second quarter, the Vols recovered two fumbles and came away with a safety. That overcame two turnovers they had on offense and allowed them to stay in control.
3. Extremely conservative play-calling by Tennessee Football
Amidst all the hype surrounding Nico Iamaleava, Josh Heupel played conservative once he built a two-score lead. That was on display with two third down runs in the second half, including on the opening drive of the half to settle for a field goal and a three-score lead. The Vols only threw it 21 times and ran it 48 times, although three of those were sacks.
4. OL depth officially concern for Tennessee Football
It wasn’t all perfect for the Vols in this game. Brent Venables was going to turn this into a defensive slugfest, and with Lance Heard out at left tackle, Tennessee Football struggled. The Vols averaged fewer than four yards on the ground, and Dayne Davis missed to blocks, one at left tackle and another at right tackle with John Campbell Jr. out, that resulted in two strip-sacks.
5. Nico Iamaleava was poised on the road
Beyond the strip-sacks, Nico Iamaleava was extremely patient throughout the game. It was his first SEC road start, and he knew he didn’t have to make too many big plays. The two fumbles weren’t his fault. Finishing 13-of-21 for 194 yards and a touchdown with no picks against this defense is impressive, and while it didn’t propel him to the top of the Heisman race, it showed his confidence.
