Tennessee vs. Oklahoma: Picks, Predictions and Odds

In this SEC opener, it’s a high-stakes clash as the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers travel to face the No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners in Week 4.

Tennessee has been on a tear to start the season, and head coach Josh Heupel returns to his alma mater, where he won a national championship as the Sooners' QB in 2000.

Oklahoma, now led by head coach Brent Venables, is gearing up for its SEC debut in this pivotal game. The Sooners will have home-field advantage and hope to use it to upset the Vols.

This matchup features two young, talented quarterbacks facing off in a high-pressure environment. Let's break it down.

Tennessee vs. Oklahoma betting picks and predictions

Tennessee -7.0 (-115)

Through three games, the Volunteers have looked like one of the best teams in the country, winning their matchups by an average of 60 points per game. Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been stellar, throwing for seven touchdowns and nearly 700 yards while making minimal mistakes.

But this will be Iamaleava's first true road game of his young career, and the Sooners' defense under Venables will be one of the best he faces all season.

The Volunteers' offense is centered around their potent rushing attack. Tennessee has rushed for 304, 249 and 456 yards in their first three games, and that balance allows them to keep defenses off guard.

Expect them to pound the ball with Dylan Sampson early, who averages eight yards per carry, to open up deep shot opportunities later.

Oklahoma’s defense is strong, especially against the run, allowing just three yards per carry this season. But can they hold up against the relentless tempo and power of Tennessee’s attack for a full 60 minutes?

Oklahoma's defense has shown flashes, particularly in generating pressure, as they have sacked opposing QBs 11 times in three games. However, that aggressiveness leaves them vulnerable to Tennessee’s run-pass option system and deep passing game.

If Iamaleava can handle the blitz and avoid mistakes, the Volunteers should cover the spread. 

This is a huge game for both programs, and the stakes couldn't be higher as Oklahoma begins its SEC journey. While the Sooners will have the home crowd behind them, Tennessee’s talent across the board, particularly in the trenches, gives them a distinct advantage.

Oklahoma’s offensive line is likely to struggle against Tennessee’s pass rush, and that could be the difference in the game. We think Tennessee pulls away late to cover the spread, winning by two touchdowns or more. 

Under 57.5 total points (-110)

While both teams have highly-touted quarterbacks, this game may not turn into a high-scoring shootout. Yes, Tennessee’s offense has been electric, but they’re facing their toughest challenge yet in Oklahoma’s defense.

Iamaleava has been efficient, but his inexperience on the road could lead to a few mistakes. He’s had two big-time throws and three turnover-worthy plays in the last two games, according to PFF, and facing a defensive-minded coach like Venables is sure to bring challenges.

On the other side, Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, another young talent who was a 5-star recruit in Iamaleava’s class, has had a solid start to the season but hasn’t faced a defensive line as deep and talented as Tennessee’s.

The Sooners’ offensive line has been a bit shaky, allowing nine sacks through three games, and now they’re up against a unit led by edge rusher James Pearce, a potential top-5 NFL Draft pick.

Arnold will need to use his legs effectively to buy time against Tennessee’s pass rush, but even if he can avoid pressure, Oklahoma’s wide receivers have struggled. They rank near the bottom in the Power 5 in receiving grade, though the return of Nick Anderson could provide a spark.

The Sooners' best chance to keep this game close is to control the tempo, grind out drives and keep Tennessee’s offense off the field.

With two young quarterbacks, both teams are likely to lean on their running games and strong defenses, leading to fewer points than expected.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

Tennessee vs. Oklahoma odds

Tennessee ML	-280
Oklahoma ML	+230
Spread	Tennessee -7.0
Total Points	O/U 57.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.