In a battle of two very different 2-0 teams, the Oklahoma Sooners lead the Tennessee Volunteers 20-7 at halftime. While the Vols are a program on the rebound, the Sooners are already one of the nation's most dangerous teams...but Tennessee is hanging around after a physical first half.
Taking Care of the Football Is Not Optional
After a quick three-and-out, the Vols held the Sooners to a field goal on their first drive. The Vols took over at their own 20 and looked like they'd found some momentum after two quick 15+ yard passes...but QB Justin Worley coughed up the ball after Quentin Hayes sack. Hayes recovered himself, and quick Oklahoma strike on the next series put the Sooners up 10-0 with just almost half of the first quarter left to play.
The Sooners had the momentum during a late drive, and had the chance to go up 24-7...but a Trevor Knight interception ended that in a hurry.
Oklahoma's Defense Is Not Playing Around
We all knew Oklahoma's defense was good, but they looked excellent against the Vols in the first half. Justin Worley was pressured, hurried and sacked whenever Tennessee had the ball, and with the exception of a well-executed drive ending in a touchdown pass, the Vols struggled to move the ball.
Tennessee's Offensive Line Is Still A Work In Progress
The Vols don't have a ton of experience on their offensive line, and it showed against Oklahoma's front seven. Justin Worley rarely had the time he needed to work through his progressions, and the Vols ended the half with -9 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Vols First-Half MVP: QB Justin Worley
Worley looked solid despite his lack of protection, ending the half 12/19 for 144 yards and a TD.
Sooners First-Half MVP: WR Sterling Shepard
With 99 receiving yards in the first half, Shepard was clearly the main vertical threat for the Sooners.
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