Monday Shenanigans: Tennessee at Oklahoma

Written By Tucker Harlin

Credit: University of Oklahoma Athletics

By Tucker Harlin

#6 Tennessee (3-0) travels west to Norman to take on #15 Oklahoma (3-0) to open SEC play this weekend.

It’s an important weekend for the Sooners as they’re hosting their first conference matchup as an SEC school. College GameDay is coming to Norman to celebrate the Sooners’ first SEC game as it’s the premiere night game night game this weekend.

For Tennessee, it’s a return to Norman for three different coaches.

Josh Heupel, Joey Halzle, and Willie Martinez all coached at Oklahoma from 2010-11. Martinez returned to Norman as a part of Tennessee’s staff in 2014.

Norman is a more meaningful place to Heupel and Halzle as both played quarterback for the Sooners, Heupel winning the national title in 2000. Halzle worked as a grad assistant while Heupel was the offensive coordinator, and Halzle followed Heupel when he got the boot after 2014.

It’s the first return trip for both to their alma mater in a decade.

So, how is Josh Heupel approaching this hostile homecoming?

Pretty well considering how his time in Norman ended in 2014.

The version of Josh Heupel that addressed the media Monday was a loose version the media isn’t often treated to. Heupel laughed when asked about his comfort answering questions about Oklahoma, saying he was looking forward to seeing old friends and thankful for the opportunities given to him by Bob Stoops and Brent Venables.

But Heupel did crack a joke in his press conference, saying he expected Oklahoma fans to be quiet for him during Tennessee offensive possessions.

Heupel isn’t one to drop bulletin board material (not suggesting this is) and I don’t know if Sooner fans are ones to make mountains out of mole hills.

But Tennessee fans definitely will take to heart the harsh comments that have come Heupel’s way from various Sooner fans in recent weeks.

On the Schooner Pod, one panelist claimed any Oklahoma coach that loses to Josh Heupel should be fired on the spot,

The shots were a little more personal on a radio show on 1400 KREF in Norman.

One host claimed Heupel has a “turkey neck” while the other scolded him for making fun of one of the most likable Sooners of all time.

If you really want to make mountains out of mole hills, Bob Stoops released a statement declining interview requests with media outlets due to his relationships with Josh Heupel and Brent Venables.

But Stoops spelled Heupel’s last name “Huepel,” something that very quickly drew the attention of Tennessee fans and media members alike.

Remember: it’s only Monday. Pace yourself accordingly.

Tucker Harlin
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