KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — John Mateer threw for 159 yards and ran for 80 yards and a clinching touchdown with less than two minutes to play to lead No. 18 Oklahoma to a 33-27 win over No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday night.
The Sooners (7-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) capitalized on three turnovers by the Volunteers (6-3, 3-3) to score 13 points.
R Mason Thomas returned a fumble 71 yards for a score, and Tate Sandell hit two field goals after interceptions. Sandell had four field goals in the game — including two from 55 yards and one from 51.
Joey Aguilar threw for 393 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Braylon Staley, who caught five passes in all for 75 yards.
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
Though Tennessee dominated the first-half offensive stats (255-99), the Vols’ mistakes allowed Oklahoma to lead 16-10.
Mike Matthews caught a 15-yard TD pass from Aguilar with 1:56 to play to cut the difference to 26-24. After the Sooners recovered the onside kick, Xavier Robinson ran 43 yards and intentionally went down at the 1-yard line. Mateer’s 1-yard run iced the victory.
Injuries in the defensive backfield caught up with the Volunteers. The disappointing loss in front of a frenzied crowd ended the Vols’ hopes to repeat as a CFP qualifier. The Vols will have an extra week to recover before trying to finish the season on a positive note. Oklahoma also has an open date before the Sooners play at Alabama on Nov. 15.