A heavyweight showdown takes place Saturday night in Norman. The Oklahoma Sooners host the Tennessee Volunteers in a top-15 matchup. This game features the return of Josh Heupel and, more importantly, a battle of former five-star quarterbacks.
The Tennessee Volunteers have the best offense in the country. Oklahoma’s defense faces a big challenge as it faces one of the best rushing offenses in the country. Oklahoma’s ability to slow down the run will be crucial to the Sooners’ success. But for ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, it all comes down to the offensive side of the ball and quarterback Jackson Arnold.
Oklahoma’s Colton Sulley spoke ahead of this important duel with Finebaum about how Arnold is the key to Oklahoma’s success.
So much of this game is about Jackson Arnold. He just has to be consistent. I like him a lot. 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 change what he’s done so far and he hasn’t been great. So he probably has to play a near-perfect game, not make mistakes, not lose the ball. Not give up points. The problem with Tennessee is they score. They score through abandonment. And as good as OU’s defense is, you can’t throw a ball away because you’re not getting it back. And if you’re not scoring points defensively, you’re in trouble. – Paul Finebaum to The Oklahoman
Jackson Arnold has played solidly in his first three starts of the 2024 season, especially considering he didn’t have his full wide receiver team and didn’t have much health on the offensive line. But last week against Tulane, he showed much more confidence on offense.
Aside from the interception that led to a touchdown, Arnold was really good, leading the Sooners in rushing yards and helping the offense score 34 points, their most since Week 1.
But this week against Tennessee is the biggest test of Arnold’s young career. If he can play confidently and with control, the Sooners’ offense will have a chance to prevail against Tennessee’s defense.
More: Sooners Wire staff predicts Oklahoma vs. Tennessee
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