Josh Heupel gives Oklahoma football a glimpse of what it’s lacking as Tennessee dominates the Sooners.
NORMAN, Okla. – Josh Heupel had been waiting almost 10 years for this moment.
Revenge is often said to be best served cold, but Heupel’s time came on a scorching day when temperatures nearly hit 100 degrees at his alma mater.
In the intense heat, Heupel’s No. 7 Tennessee Vols defeated No. 13 Oklahoma, 25-15, at the Palace on the Prairie.
Heupel, who once excited the crowd as the standout quarterback for Oklahoma’s last national championship team, silenced those same fans on Saturday as he made a victorious return, spoiling the Sooners’ SEC debut.
“Walking off that field with a win felt pretty good,” Heupel said with a slight smile.
Heupel is the one that slipped through Oklahoma’s fingers—the coach Bob Stoops let go—who later rescued Tennessee from mediocrity.
After being dismissed from Stoops’ staff in 2014, Heupel rebuilt his career, crossing three time zones to make it happen.
Heupel evolved into a better coach, even crafting a solid defense.
The Sooner Schooner, which once sped across the field during Heupel’s playing days, might as well have had flat tires, as it remained idle for much of the night with Oklahoma’s offense struggling and faltering.
It only moved after Oklahoma managed two fourth-quarter touchdowns—the first ones Tennessee’s defense has given up all season.
