Oklahoma delivered a decisive statement to its critics Saturday night on Rocky Top.
These aren't the same Sooners who failed to deliver on high expectations last season. They've got a stiffer defense this time.
After getting punched in the mouth early in Knoxville and finding themselves down 17-0 in the second quarter, the No. 19 Sooners rallied to record a 31-24 double-overtime victory over No. 23 Tennessee in a hostile environment.
Baker Mayfield's fourth-quarter and overtime performance, along with wide receiver Sterling Shepard's heroics, will get a lot of deserved attention for Oklahoma.
"[Mayfield] hung in there and made his plays when he needed to, and our defense was incredible," Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops told ESPN's Holly Rowe after the game.