Saturday Selections: Week 3 SEC Picks Against the Spread
Sep 6, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) runs for a touchdown against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee at #4 Oklahoma (-21), 7:00pm CT, ABC
So far this year, the Tennessee Volunteers look much better than they did last season. Head coach Butch Jones has energized the fan base, and the roster, by assembling a talented young team in Knoxville. The Vols are 2-0 this year with solid wins over better than average Non-Power 5 Conference opponents Utah State and Arkansas State.
However, the Vols must now go on the road and play a national championship contender. Oklahoma is still riding high after a huge victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, and Bob Stoops and company have been dominant in 2014. The Sooners are averaging 50 points per game and 508 yards of total offense so far.
I’m still not sold on Tennessee as a bowl team this season. The Vols have gotten solid play from senior quarterback Justin Worley, and the defense has been good, but the inconsistency on the offensive line scares me. Tennessee has not been able to run the football very well and they are averaging only 139 yards on the ground per game, which ranks 90th nationally. UT likes to throw the football, but Oklahoma’s pass rush is going to present a major problem this week.
Oklahoma looks like the real deal, and the Vols just aren’t there yet.
Oklahoma 38, Tennessee 14