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The Oklahoma Sooners fan base was completely broken by the Tennessee Vols

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Sep 27, 2024 2:53 PM ET

Oklahoma Sooners fans are having a tough time accepting OU's 25-15 loss to the Tennessee Vols this past weekend.

Tennessee's suffocating defense kept Oklahoma's offense in check. And several Sooners players were so banged up after the game that they won't be available for the Sooners' matchup against Auburn on Saturday.

At least one Oklahoma fan suggested this week that the Sooners should've joined the Big 10 instead of the SEC.

Maybe #Oklahoma should have joined the #B1G where they would’ve had less competition. #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/t23IlP0H9w
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) September 27, 2024

Other Oklahoma fans have tried to rationalize the loss by pointing to the Sooners' anemic offense while suggesting that the Sooners have a better defense than the Vols.

It's certainly true that Tennessee's offense wasn't as explosive against the Sooners, but that's in large part because Vols head coach Josh Heupel "pulled back" on the play calling in the second half due to the way UT's defense was playing.

Need anymore confirmation about the second half play calling?

“I pulled back a tad just because the way our defense was playing, hell of a job”

There. Shut up. You saw a coach mature and actually be able to lean on his defense. pic.twitter.com/5MMnB4hzE5
— NBAVOLBOY (@NBAYOUNGVOL) September 24, 2024

Tennessee did what they had to do to win a game in a tough road environment. There's no doubt that Oklahoma has an elite defense. But it's also true that Tennessee didn't press the issue against the Sooners. The Vols didn't try to force big plays, electing instead to take care of the football while getting the game to the finish line.

Welcome to life in the SEC, Oklahoma. Every week is an adventure. And each week's games play out in a unique way. One week might be a defensive battle and the next week could be an offensive shootout. You've gotta find a way to win both types of games on a weekly basis.

It's not nearly as easy as it sounds.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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