Norman, OK
Sep 21, 2024
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In one of the most highly anticipated games of the season, the Tennessee Volunteers, ranked No. 7, defeated the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners 25-15 on September 21, 2024, at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The victory marked Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel's triumphant return to Norman, where he once led the Sooners to a national championship as a quarterback. Tennessee's defensive dominance was the story of the game, as they held Oklahoma to just 222 total yards and forced multiple turnovers.
Volunteers' quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 13 of 21 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown despite two fumbles, while running back Dylan Sampson contributed 92 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Tennessee defense recorded three sacks, eleven tackles for loss, and an interception, disrupting Oklahoma's offensive rhythm throughout the night. Despite a late surge by the Sooners with backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. leading two touchdown drives, the Vols maintained their composure to secure their 4-0 start to the season and a 1-0 mark in SEC play.
Dont'e Thornton Jr. (Tennessee Volunteers)
Dont'e Thornton Jr. hauled in a 66-yard touchdown pass from Nico Iamaleava, showcasing his speed and route-running to give Tennessee an early 10-3 lead. The play exploited a lapse in Oklahoma's secondary coverage.
Jovantae Barnes (Oklahoma Sooners)
Jovantae Barnes was tackled in the end zone by Jayson Jenkins for a 2-yard loss, resulting in a safety that boosted Tennessee's lead to 12-3. This marked a critical defensive highlight for the Volunteers.
Dylan Sampson (Tennessee Volunteers)
Dylan Sampson powered into the end zone from 1 yard out, capping an eight-play drive and further extending Tennessee's lead to 19-3 just before halftime.
Joshua Josephs (Tennessee Volunteers)
Joshua Josephs forced and recovered a fumble at Tennessee's 6-yard line following a sack on Oklahoma's Jackson Arnold, halting what had been a promising Sooner drive.
Michael Hawkins Jr. (Oklahoma Sooners)
Michael Hawkins Jr. passed 2 yards to Jovantae Barnes for a touchdown, narrowing the score to 22-9. The missed PAT left the Sooners still trailing but marked their first offensive touchdown of the game.
Max Gilbert (Tennessee Volunteers)
Max Gilbert sealed the game for Tennessee with a 32-yard field goal, ensuring a 25-15 victory over the Sooners. This was his third field goal of the game.
Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee Volunteers, QB)
Nico Iamaleava excelled under pressure, completing 13 of 21 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. He managed the offense effectively despite facing intense heat from the Oklahoma defense, which forced two fumbles from him.
Dylan Sampson (Tennessee Volunteers, RB)
Dylan Sampson provided a crucial ground game component, amassing 92 yards on 24 carries. His 1-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter significantly boosted Tennessee's lead heading into halftime.
Michael Hawkins Jr. (Oklahoma Sooners, QB)
Michael Hawkins Jr. replaced starter Jackson Arnold before halftime and led both of Oklahoma's touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. He passed for 132 yards and a touchdown on 11 of 18 completions and added 22 yards on the ground.
Jermod McCoy (Tennessee Volunteers, DB)
DB Jermod McCoy played a pivotal role in Tennessee's defensive success, recording three tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup. His interception in the first quarter shifted the momentum in the Volunteers' favor early in the game.
Max Gilbert (Tennessee Volunteers, K)
K Max Gilbert was flawless in his kicking performance, hitting all three of his field goal attempts, including a 41-yarder in the third quarter and a 32-yarder that sealed Tennessee's victory.
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Football vs Oklahoma on 9/21/2024 - Box Score - University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Football recap: Vols take care of business against Sooners - Rocky Top Talk
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Tennessee Volunteers
10
9
3
3
25
Oklahoma Sooners
3
0
0
12
15