After a disappointing first season as the leadman for Oklahoma football, head coach Brent Venables has been 13-3 since the start of the 2022 campaign. Oklahoma is 3-0 this season, outscoring their opponents 111-34. However, they will face their first true test this weekend, opening up conference play with a home tilt against the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee also holds an undefeated 3-0 record, with two wins of 60 points or more. The Oklahoma Sooners, previously of the Big 12, will begin five straight SEC games. A win on Saturday would elevate OU to new heights under Venables, similar to Bob Stoops in the 2000s.
Stoops, who last patrolled the sidelines in Norman, Oklahoma, circa 2016, is a hot commodity this week regarding interviews, with his former team facing off against a Tennessee squad led by former OU superstar quarterback and assistant coach Josh Heupel. Stoops spoke about the game late on Wednesday, calling for a packed house at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Bob Stoops Demands Electric Atmosphere for Stellar Oklahoma Football Matchup
According to the REF:
Well, it makes a major impact in the game, you know, for their communication, timing, just the emotion, and the excitement of the energy that is given to the home team. You know, when you’re active like that on offense and on defense, it makes a difference. Everyone remembers when we went to Tennessee, or they should. They set a record for how many decibels they made and how loud they were. Our people will make a difference, and it’ll help. If people get out of their chairs, they stand up and start making noise.
Longtime Oklahoma football bench boss Bob Stoops did not mince words about the difference a loud crowd makes for an opposing team. Stoops referenced his team’s road contest against the Tennessee Volunteers in 2015, with the Sooners traveling to a hostile environment that affected OU’s communication ability. However, Oklahoma won 31-24, receiving a solid effort from quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Oklahoma football will host the Tennessee Volunteers for their conference opener in their first season in the SEC. The winner will push their record to 4-0 and remain or move into the top ten of the AP Poll. Meanwhile, the loser will start SEC play with a loss. Tennessee is a touchdown favorite despite playing on the road.
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