Category: Oklahoma Sooners

As Aaron Rodgers continues to be the center of attention, the question arises: is TJ Watt the best defensive player that Rodgers has ever played with since Charles Woodson? The answer is likely yes. With Mike Tomlin at the helm, Rodgers would experience a very different coaching dynamic compared to his previous teams, particularly when compared to coaches like Robert Saleh or Brian Daboll. Tomlin, an established coach with a Super Bowl ring (and another potentially in the books had it not been for Rodgers), could bring a level of consistency to the table that Rodgers hasn’t seen in recent years. Steelers fans, known for their desire for a change, are eager for a fresh approach—Rodgers could be just what they need to break the mold.

The potential for success in Pittsburgh with Rodgers is high. Coming off an NFL MVP win as recently as 2021, Rodgers would likely perform better than he did with the Jets, thanks to the stronger supporting cast and coaching stability in Pittsburgh. Expectations in Pittsburgh are also far different than what he faced in New York. But with the potential for greatness comes risk: Rodgers led the Jets to a disappointing 5-12 record in 2024, and while that doesn’t guarantee a similar outcome in Pittsburgh, it does leave room for uncertainty.

Brandt weighed in on this situation, saying, “This thing. This Rodgers thing… maybe it’s like Vikings-era Brett Favre, maybe it’s Broncos-era Peyton Manning.” There’s a chance Rodgers catches fire and revitalizes the offense, but there’s also the possibility of a collapse, as we saw last season. However, Brandt suggested that even a potential down year might have its benefits for Pittsburgh: “Maybe they go 5-12, and that might not be the worst thing going into next year. For once you can actually have a decent draft pick.” That could mean the Steelers finally secure a high draft pick, something the fanbase has been clamoring for after years of late-round selections. A higher pick could be the key to solving their quarterback issues.

While Rodgers gives Pittsburgh a shot at success, the Steelers also have the potential to position themselves for the future, possibly setting themselves up with a favorable pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This could help them address the long-standing issue at quarterback. After a stretch of non-losing seasons, Pittsburgh fans are eager for a change of direction and a chance to build for the future.

In the latest NFL Free Agency update, the Steelers seem to have gotten a quarterback, but the big question remains—will Rodgers help them succeed, or will they be looking at a fresh start sooner than expected? Time will tell.

Good afternoon, basketball fans! We’re in for an exciting college hoops showdown today as the Oklahoma Sooners host the Tennessee Volunteers in what promises to be a thrilling match. Oklahoma, on the cusp of the NCAA Tournament bubble, will look to make a statement against the fourth-ranked Volunteers, who are fighting for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming Big Dance.

Can Tennessee’s renowned defense contain a high-scoring Sooners team averaging nearly 80 points per game? Will Oklahoma, led by freshman star point guard Jeremiah Fears, who is questionable due to injury, pull off a major upset and ignite a court-storming at the Lloyd Noble Center? Let’s break it down.

Betting Preview: Tennessee vs. Oklahoma

The betting odds, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook, are accurate as of Saturday, February 8, 2025:

• Spread: Tennessee -5, Oklahoma -4
• Money Line: Tennessee -218, Oklahoma +180
• Over/Under: 138.5 points
• Game Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, OK
• Broadcast: ESPN

Oklahoma comes into this matchup with a 16-6 record, including a 3-6 mark in SEC play. They’ve covered 50% of the time this season but only 44% in conference games. However, they’ve been performing better lately, covering in four of their last five outings.

The Sooners are an up-tempo team, and 13 of their 22 games have hit the over, with 6 of 9 in SEC play reaching that mark. At home, 8 of 12 games have surpassed the point total.

On the other hand, Tennessee boasts a 19-4 record, with four losses all coming in SEC play. The Volunteers are 14-9 against the spread (ATS) this season, and they’ve covered 60% of the time when favored. Defensively dominant, Tennessee’s games often stay under the listed point total, with just 9 of their 23 games surpassing it. In SEC play, four of their 10 games have hit the over.

Power Rankings and Betting Insights

Surprisingly, the CSN Power Rankings have Oklahoma favored by -4, likely due to their home court advantage and four Quad 1 victories. In contrast, Tennessee is ranked much lower than their No. 4 spot in the AP Poll, sitting at No. 21 in the CSN rankings. Oklahoma comes in at No. 46 but still favored in this matchup.

Prediction: Tennessee vs. Oklahoma

Tennessee has racked up seven Quad 1 wins, and another victory here would add to that impressive list. However, they’ll face a tough challenge in Norman, where the Sooners will be hungry for an upset, especially with Jeremiah Fears leading the charge.

Fears, averaging 15.9 points and 4.2 assists per game, has been a key factor in Oklahoma’s three conference victories. However, his status for the game is in question due to injury. If he can’t play, it could seriously impact the Sooners’ chances. Oklahoma will rely heavily on their leading scorer, 6’7″ senior Jalon Moore, who is averaging 17.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

As for Tennessee, they are led by Zakai Ziegler, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, who averages 12.7 points and 7.5 assists per game. Ziegler’s defensive presence will be crucial against a high-scoring Oklahoma team. Fifth-year senior Chaz Lanier has been a great addition for Tennessee, leading the team with 17.5 points per game, while Igor Milicic Jr., another senior, provides versatility on both ends of the floor.

With or without Fears, I predict this game will stay under the 138.5 point total. Tennessee’s defense and Ziegler’s pressure on Oklahoma’s ball handlers will likely keep the score lower than expected. While the Volunteers’ previous game saw an 85-81 finish, that’s more of an anomaly for them.

I also like Tennessee to cover the -5 spread. The Volunteers are the stronger team overall, and despite a potential upset-minded Oklahoma team, Tennessee’s depth and experience should carry them to a double-digit win.

Final Picks:

• Tennessee -5
• Under 138.5 points

Prediction: Tennessee 73, Oklahoma 62

Stay tuned for more updates as we head into this high-stakes matchup!