LIVE: #Sooners hold Tennessee to a field goal after the Okoye sack and an injury to UT star freshman right tackle David Sanders.

A crucial goal-line stand has kept the #Sooners in control early, as the Oklahoma defense held Tennessee to a field goal after a dramatic sequence that saw momentum swing violently in their favor. The pivotal moment came when defensive end David Okoye exploded into the backfield, sacking the Volunteers’ quarterback and forcing a loss of downs. The roar of the crowd, however, was soon tempered by concern on the field.

 

The play resulted in an injury to Tennessee star freshman right tackle David Sanders, a key pillar of their offensive line. The highly-touted recruit required assistance to leave the field, casting a pall over the Neyland Stadium crowd and creating significant uncertainty for the Volunteers’ offense moving forward.

 

Faced with a stalled drive and the loss of their premier lineman, the Tennessee offense could not recover. The #Sooners’ defense, energized by Okoye’s big play and the sudden shift in the line of scrimmage, stood firm on the subsequent downs. Forced to abandon their goal-to-go ambitions, the Volunteers had to settle for three points.

 

What could have been a game-tying touchdown drive was abruptly halted, giving Oklahoma a massive emotional and strategic victory. The stand not only preserved the lead but also served notice that the Sooners’ defense is a force to be reckoned with, capable of bending but not breaking when it matters most.