Oklahoma Secures Narrow College Football Playoff Hope With 33-27 Tennessee Win

The Oklahoma Sooners secured a crucial 33-27 victory over the No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium, improving their 2025 record to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC. This win was significant as it kept Oklahoma's College Football Playoff hopes alive and marked a signature victory under head coach Brent Venables, overcoming the hostile environment of a sold-out crowd and Venables' previous struggles against ranked teams on the road. Key contributors included kicker Tate Sandell, who scored 15 points with multiple long field goals, and defensive end R Mason Thomas, who made a pivotal fumble recovery touchdown despite a hamstring injury. Despite Oklahoma not playing their best offensively and allowing some big plays on defense, the team demonstrated grit and clutch performance in critical moments to maintain the lead after the third quarter. Pro Football Focus grades from the game highlighted that while no offensive player scored above a 70 overall grade, key players like wide receiver Deion Burks and quarterback John Mateer were instrumental, with the entire offensive line playing every snap. Overall, the Sooners' toughness and timely plays under pressure enabled them to win in a challenging road environment against a strong Tennessee team.