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Oklahoma Sooners Stumble Against Tennessee Volunteers at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

In a week 4 showdown at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the Oklahoma Sooners faced a challenging opponent in the Tennessee Volunteers. The game concluded with the Volunteers securing a 25-15 victory over the Sooners. This result moves Tennessee's record to an impressive 4-0, while Oklahoma now stands at 3-1 for the season.


Sep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA;  Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (1) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Key Performances and Game Dynamics


The Sooners' efforts were highlighted by some standout individual performances despite the loss. Punter Luke Elzinga had a busy day with seven attempts totaling 357 yards, ensuring three of those landed inside the 20-yard line, showcasing his precision and skill in changing field positions effectively. On defense, Lewis Carter was omnipresent on the field with six tackles and two tackles for loss, although this defensive hustle couldn't completely stifle Tennessee's advances.


Offensively, quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. provided a spark after taking over from Jackson Arnold, throwing for 132 yards with a completion rate of 61 percent and connecting for one touchdown without any interceptions. His longest pass was an impressive 46-yard throw that stood out as one of the game's offensive highlights for Oklahoma. Jovantae Barnes found some success on the ground scoring one touchdown but overall, rushing proved difficult against a stout Volunteer defense as evidenced by an average gain of just over one yard per attempt across all rushers.


Sep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA;  Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The receiving corps saw contributions from multiple players including Deion Burks who led with four receptions totaling 32 yards. Jaquaize Pettaway made significant plays downfield averaging over twenty-six yards across his three catches which included a game-long reception of forty-six yards.


Looking Ahead


As they regroup from this setback, attention turns to their next challenge where they will face off against Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 28th at 1:00 PM EDT. Fans eager to see if Oklahoma can bounce back can catch all the action live on ESPN Networks.


Sep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

This upcoming game presents another opportunity for Oklahoma to refine their gameplay and execute more effectively both offensively and defensively as they continue through their season hoping to build upon their current record.

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