LAS VEGAS — November 1, 2025 — In a clash of ranked powerhouses, No. 18 Oklahoma survived a furious rally from No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday night, escaping with a 33-27 victory thanks to a late touchdown run from quarterback Jackson Mateer. The win keeps the Sooners’ Big 12 title hopes alive and reaffirms their offensive rhythm as the regular season winds down.

Mateer Seals It Late

After a seesaw battle that featured five lead changes, Mateer delivered the game’s defining moment midway through the fourth quarter. Facing third-and-goal from the Tennessee 7, he kept the ball on a read-option and powered through a defender into the end zone. The score capped a 10-play, 74-yard drive that consumed nearly six minutes and pushed Oklahoma ahead 33-27 — a margin the Sooners would never relinquish.

Mateer finished with 247 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns, showing poise under pressure and command of Oklahoma’s balanced attack. “We knew we had to finish strong,” the sophomore quarterback said post-game. “Coach trusted me with the call, and the O-line made it happen.”

Tennessee’s Fast Start Fades

The Volunteers opened aggressively behind quarterback Nico Iamalava, who hit Bru McCoy for an early 41-yard touchdown. Tennessee jumped to a 13-3 lead before Oklahoma’s defense adjusted. Linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman combined for key stops that slowed the Volunteers’ tempo, forcing consecutive punts to close the first half.

By halftime, Oklahoma had reclaimed momentum with a 16-13 advantage after kicker Zach Schmidt converted three field goals and running back Gavin Sawchuk punched in a short-yard score.

Defensive Adjustments Prove Critical

The Sooners’ defense bent but didn’t break in the second half. Tennessee managed just one touchdown after halftime — a 19-yard strike to Ramel Keyton — but failed to finish two red-zone drives that ended in field goals. Oklahoma’s defensive front, led by Ethan Downs and Jon Gilliam, generated consistent pressure, limiting Iamalava’s deep passing lanes.

Head coach Brent Venables praised the unit’s resilience: “We gave up some big plays early, but our guys stayed composed. This was a statement win for us on the road.”

Oklahoma’s Ground Game Balanced the Scales

Oklahoma ran for 189 yards as a team, with Sawchuk and Tawee Walker sharing duties to wear down Tennessee’s front seven. Their consistent gains set up Mateer’s decisive keeper in the fourth quarter. The Sooners controlled time of possession (35:21 to 24:39) — a critical advantage in a matchup between evenly matched offenses.

Looking Ahead

With the victory, Oklahoma improves to 7-2 overall (4-2 Big 12) and moves into the conference’s top three. Tennessee, now 6-3, likely drops out of playoff contention but remains in the hunt for a New Year’s Six bowl berth.

Next week, Oklahoma returns home to face Iowa State, while Tennessee will regroup ahead of a crucial SEC matchup against Missouri.

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Game Summary

Team	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Tennessee	10	3	7	7	27
Oklahoma	3	13	7	10	33

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Key Performers

• Jackson Mateer (OU): 21-of-34 passing, 247 yds, 1 TD; 76 yds rushing, 1 TD
• Gavin Sawchuk (OU): 92 yds rushing, 1 TD
• Nico Iamalava (TENN): 24-of-38, 283 yds, 2 TD
• Bru McCoy (TENN): 5 receptions, 87 yds, 1 TD
• Zach Schmidt (OU): 4/4 FG, 33-yd long