As Oklahoma prepares to host Tennessee in a significant SEC matchup, former coach Bob Stoops has chosen to decline all media interview requests, emphasizing the importance of the game and respect for current coaches Brent Venables and Josh Heupel. Stoops praised Heupel, his former quarterback, as the 'MVP of all my recruits' and acknowledged his crucial role in Oklahoma's national championship success in 2000. The game marks a reunion of sorts, as both Heupel and Venables were key figures in Stoops’ legacy at Oklahoma, with Heupel now leading Tennessee and Venables at the helm of the Sooners. Despite the pressures and requests surrounding the game, Stoops has stated his intent to keep the focus on the teams and their current efforts. The highly-anticipated matchup will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, following a history of competitive encounters between the two programs. This game is particularly notable as it will be the first SEC contest for Oklahoma and marks Heupel's return to his alma mater as an opposing coach.