Using ESPN’s FPI (Football Power Index) as a guide, Tennessee has a 12.1 percent chance to beat Oklahoma on Saturday.

STRONG START, TOUGH TEST

Tennessee enters Saturday’s game at 2-0. It’s hard to knit-pick at things the Vols have done wrong in their first two games, with Tennessee enjoying blowout wins in both contests. However, both matchups were against the likes of Utah State and Arkansas State. On Saturday, Tennessee will face No. 4 Oklahoma, the team ESPN’s FPI believes is most likely to run the table this season.

Oklahoma has talent on both sides of the football. The passing attack of dual-threat quarterback Trevor Knight and superstar wide receiver Sterling Shepard will prove to be an unfavorable matchup for a young Tennessee defense. Oklahoma also has three running backs with over 100 yards in two games: Keith Ford (138 yards), Alex Ross (126) and Samaje Perine (110). The Sooners also hold an advantage in the trenches with a size and experience edge over a Tennessee d-line with zero returning starters from the previous season.

Defensively, the Sooners have one of the nation’s top pass rushers in outside linebacker Eric Striker. Alongside fellow linebacker Geneo Grissom and defensive end Charles Tapper, Oklahoma will pressure quarterback Justin Worley on pass plays and stuff the line on run plays. The Sooners also have a talented group of defensive backs, headlined by standout cornerback Zach Sanchez. Sanchez enjoyed a breakout freshman season in 2013 and has already matched his interception total (2) in the Sooners’ first two games. Despite suffering a shoulder injury in Week 2, Sanchez will start for Oklahoma and take on the responsibility of covering Marquez North in pass coverage.

Tennessee hopes to surprise a national audience and show that its rebuilding process is far ahead of schedule. However, facing a tough Oklahoma team, the Vols may be too outmatched to compete with the Sooners on the road.