The first half of the Tennessee Volunteers vs. Oklahoma Sooners game is over, with the Vols leading 19-3.
The game started with both teams stalling early on offense. The Vols had a big moment in the first quarter when the SEC’s top-rated defensive back, Jermod McCoy, intercepted a pass from Jackson Arnold. McCoy was in zone coverage and quickly ran up the field to trick Arnold into an interception. It was a great play by McCoy. The Vols then scored the first three points of the game.
The Sooners also scored three points, but that was offset by a long Tennessee touchdown pass from Nico Iamaleava to Dont’e Thornton for 66 yards. Iamaleava finished the first quarter 5/6, 120 yards and a touchdown.
Iamaleava and the Vols were not so lucky on their first offensive play of the second quarter. Iamaleava was hit on the throw attempt when he was sacked because Dayne Davis missed a play. Davis is the backup for the injured Lance Heard. On the very next play, Oklahoma lost the ball when Arnold fumbled on a rush. That fumble was forced by Joshua Josephs inside the 10-yard line.
Oklahoma’s defense caused some problems for the Vols’ offense early on, as Jackson Ross was forced to punt three times, including one that went 57 yards and brought the Sooners down at the 4-yard line. Jayson Jenkins then tackled Javontae Barnes in the end zone for the second safety in two weeks.
Iamaleava fumbled again after a strip sack, his second of the half, which gave Oklahoma positive field position. Once again, Tennessee had a fumble recovery on the next play when Arnold threw a backwards pass to the outside receiver that led to a fumble recovery by Jakobe Thomas. This led to a Dylan Sampson touchdown late in the half, giving the Vols a bigger lead.
The Vols had a few injuries at halftime. Boo Carter left the game and did not return at halftime, heading to the locker room with a towel over his head. John Campbell also left the game with a lower body injury and is not expected to return in this game.
The Vols receive the kickoff for the second half.
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