Oklahoma’s Disappointing SEC Debut
Oklahoma’s highly anticipated debut in the SEC ended in disappointment as they fell to the Tennessee Volunteers in a lackluster 25-15 loss. The Sooners, who had been eagerly awaiting their move to the SEC for over three years, struggled to find their footing against a tough Tennessee defense.
Despite the ideal conditions for their SEC membership kickoff, with a top 10-ranked opponent and a prime-time television slot, Oklahoma failed to make a strong impression. Their offense sputtered, managing only 222 total yards with a mere 36 yards on the ground. The Sooners went over 51 minutes without scoring a touchdown, allowing Tennessee to build a commanding 19-3 halftime lead.
Former Oklahoma quarterback turned Tennessee head coach, Josh Heupel, watched as his team executed both on offense and defense. The Vols’ explosive offense, highlighted by Nico Iamaleava’s 66-yard touchdown pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr., put the pressure on the Sooners. But it was Tennessee’s physical defense that truly shone, showcasing the SEC’s reputation for toughness.
The game was a bittersweet moment for Heupel, as he remembered his late mother, Cindy, who had been looking forward to the matchup. Heupel acknowledged the unique nature of the game being a road game for him but a home game for his family, who had traveled from South Dakota to support him.
North Carolina’s Defensive Woes
In a surprising turn of events, the North Carolina Tar Heels’ defense crumbled against James Madison, allowing a staggering 70 points in a shocking defeat. Head coach Mack Brown expressed his disappointment in the team’s performance, emphasizing that such a loss to a Group of Five program was unacceptable for a school like North Carolina.
The Tar Heels’ defense struggled to contain JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who put up an impressive display with 388 passing yards, five touchdowns through the air, and 99 rushing yards with two additional scores. The defensive breakdown was reminiscent of the Tar Heels’ basketball team allowing Dalton Knecht to score 37 points at the Dean Dome.
The disappointing defensive showing by North Carolina was compounded by NC State’s struggles against Clemson, making the state’s college football scene a focal point of disappointment in Week 4. Despite high expectations for both programs heading into the season, they have faltered, with NC State particularly experiencing a significant decline.
NC State’s Season of Disappointment
NC State’s season took a turn for the worse as they suffered a humiliating 59-35 loss to Clemson, further adding to their disappointing start. The Wolfpack, who entered the season with high hopes and a Top 25 ranking, have failed to live up to expectations under coach Dave Doeren.
The loss to Clemson was not entirely unexpected, given the Tigers’ dominance in recent years, but the margin of defeat was greater than anticipated. Dabo Swinney’s decision to call off the dogs in the third quarter prevented an even more lopsided scoreline, highlighting NC State’s struggles on both sides of the ball.
The Pack’s poor tackling and overall performance drew criticism from ESPN commentator Greg McElroy, who noted the stark difference in quality compared to past Doeren-coached teams. NC State’s inability to compete at a high level has raised concerns about their trajectory for the rest of the season.
Overall, Week 4 of college football brought disappointments for Oklahoma, North Carolina, and NC State, with each team facing challenges that will test their resilience and determination moving forward.