Tennessee faces an uphill battle against No. 4 Oklahoma on the road Saturday. The Sooners have top-tier talent across the board and are equally dangerous on both sides of the football. The matchup features two historically dominant programs on different ends of the spectrum, with Oklahoma continuing its consistent reign of success and Tennessee looking to rebuild. The Sooners are a serious contender for the national championship, while the Vols are looking for their first bowl game appearance since 2010. Here are some bold predictions for Saturday’s game in Norman.

Bold Prediction #1: Justin Worley continues his success against a tough OU defense

Justin Worley is off to the best start of his career. Through two games, Worley has thrown for 520 yards and five touchdowns, while averaging a 141.02 passer rating and a 64.5 completion percentage. The senior quarterback has shown poise and confidence in the pocket, which he lacked throughout his first three seasons. But Worley has played the likes of Utah State and Arkansas State, a far cry from the talent level of Oklahoma. The Sooners boast one of the most talented pass rushing groups in the nation and a top-tier pass defense. Worley will be pressured from all angles by defensive end Charles Tapper and outside linebackers Eric Striker and Geneo Grissom. For Tennessee to be successful, Worley must prove that his play is more the product of steady progression and offseason improvement than a weak schedule.

Bold Prediction #2: Josh Malone will step up in the absence of Von Pearson

With Von Pearson injured, Tennessee will look to its depth chart to step up at the wide receiver position. This means more targets and playing time for players that saw limited action in the first two games. Josh Malone presents the best possible replacement for Pearson. Malone has the size, speed and playmaking ability to be an elite SEC wide receiver once he gains experience. The former Tennessee Mr. Football award winner has the raw talent to make a splash similar to Marquez North during his freshman season. With Pig Howard and Josh Smith already serving specific roles in the passing attack, Malone is the player best suited to take advantage of Pearson’s absence and have a breakout performance.

Bold Prediction #3: Cam Sutton will slow down Sterling Shepard

It’s not impossible, but it seems highly unlikely. Cam Sutton has played extraordinarily well through his first two games as a sophomore. Sutton held both Utah State’s Brandon Swindall (37 yards) and Arkansas State’s Tres Houston (48 yds) to a combined 85 yards. However, neither player matches the caliber of Sterling Shepard, a nationally recognized top receiver. Shepard is off to an impressive start with 226 yards and two touchdowns on 12 catches, showing no signs of slowing down. Sutton will have his hands full and must provide a threat to the playmaking wide receiver in order for Tennessee to stay competitive.