Historic Efforts Key Sooners in Win at Tennessee

Saturday, November 1

Knoxville, Tenn.

6:30 p.m. CT

University of Oklahoma

7-2 , 3-2

Tennessee

6-3 , 3-3

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Historic Efforts Key Sooners in Win at Tennessee

November 01, 2025 | Football

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First Ranked Road Victory Since 2019

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — John Mateer threw for 159 yards and ran for another 80 along with a game-clinching touchdown to help lead No. 18 Oklahoma (7-2, 3-2 SEC) to a 33-27 win over No. 14 Tennessee (6-3, 3-3 SEC) Saturday, Nov. 1.

"Our guys matched (Tennessee's) physicality, and then some," said Oklahoma coach Brent Venables. "The pile constantly went in our direction. All those piles that fall forward add up to a lot."

The Sooner defense generated three takeaways and Tate Sandell made four field goals in Oklahoma's first road win against a ranked team since 2019.

Down 7-0, Owen Heinecke sacked Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, forcing a fumble that R Mason Thomas returned 71 yards for a touchdown. Three of Sandell's four field goals were from beyond 50 yards, including two 55-yarders, tying the Neyland Stadium long. Thomas' 71-yard return of Joey Aguilar's fumble for a touchdown was the longest fumble return in Oklahoma history.

The Vols took a 10-7 lead with a late first quarter field goal, but the Sooner defense locked in to outscore Tennessee, 9-0, in the second quarter. Sandell tallied field goals of 55, 51 and 40 yards during the frame, while Peyton Bowen and Robert Spears-Jennings grabbed interceptions to key the offensive opportunities and carry the Sooners to a 16-10 halftime lead.

OU and Tennessee matched each other with 17 second half points, scoring seven and 10 in the third and fourth quarter respectively. Tennessee took a 17-16 lead on a touchdown pass shortly into the third quarter, but a 52-yard drive resulted in a four-yard touchdown run for Xavier Robinson, pushing the Sooners to a 23-17 lead. Sandell hit another 55-yard field goal and Mateer ran the game-winning touchdown across late in the fourth quarter.

Up next
Following a bye week the Sooners will go to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama Nov. 15, with the kickoff time and TV network to be announced.