Paul Finebaum believes Jackson Arnold is the key to Oklahoma vs. Tennessee

On Saturday night, there will be a heavyweight fight in Norman. In a top-15 clash, the Tennessee Volunteers will be hosted by the Oklahoma Sooners. Josh Heupel will make his comeback in this game, but the main attraction is a matchup between two former five-star quarterbacks.

The nation’s top offensive unit is the Tennessee Volunteers. Against one of the best rushing offences in the nation, Oklahoma’s defence is in for a difficult game. Oklahoma’s capacity to impede the run will be essential to the Sooners’ achievement. However, quarterback Jackson Arnold and the offensive line are the key factors in Paul Finebaum’s analysis for ESPN.

The Oklahoman’s Colton Sulley spoke with Finebaum ahead of this big-time matchup that Arnold holds the key to Oklahoma’s success.

This game is so much about Jackson Arnold. He just has to be consistent. I like him very much. I had a chance to talk to Jackson two weeks ago and was impressed with his poise, his demeanor, what he said, how he said it, but that doesn’t scrape away what he’s done so far, and he’s not been great. So, he has to play probably close to a perfect game, he can’t make mistakes, he can’t turn the ball over. He can’t give away points. The problem with Tennessee is they score. They score with abandonment. And as good as OU’s defense is, you can’t throw away a possession because you’re not going to get it back. And unless you get points on the defensive side, you’re in trouble. – Paul Finebaum to The Oklahoman

Considering he hasn’t had his complete complement of wide receivers or much health along the offensive line, Jackson Arnold has performed admirably in his first three starts of the 2024 season. However, against Tulane last week, he appeared far more at ease in the offence.

Arnold was outstanding, leading the Sooners in rushing yards and contributing to the offense’s 34 points, their highest since week one, aside from the interception that was returned for a touchdown.

But the most important test of Arnold’s early career is this week against Tennessee. The Sooners offence will have a chance to create plays against the Tennessee defence if he can play coolly and composed.