It was supposed to be a showdown to remember for Tennessee football. With Neyland Stadium packed, the Vols were hoping to take down Oklahoma, improve to 7-2 and make a big statement in trying to get back to the College Football Playoff. None of that happened.
Josh Heupel's 'funky' play call with game on the line said it all for Tennessee
In deflating fashion, the Vols simply could not get into a groove on offense and Oklahoma posted a 33-26 victory, leaving everyone in Knoxville stunned. Let's make one thing clear: Joey Aguilar has been so much fun to watch this season and people love him.
However, Aguilar had a reputation of taking gambles throwing the ball before he arrived at Tennessee and that version showed up in the loss to the Sooners. Aguilar had several throws that he wants back and it was no question his worst game of the year. As you might have been able to guess, he was pretty down in the dumps following the final whistle:
Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar: This hurts. Hurts a lot. I made three turnovers tonight. I should have put my team in a better position. Our defense forced turnovers, and we didn't do enough with those. It hurts.
— Wes Rucker (@wesruckerTBA) November 2, 2025
Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar was far from his best in the loss to Oklahoma
You've got to feel bad for Aguilar. Leading up to this week, he had looked like one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC and he was throwing the ball all over the field. He entered this one with 2,344 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions.
In the loss to Oklahoma, however, a different version of Aguilar showed up, as he tossed for nearly 400 yards, three TDs and two interceptions - those numbers don't tell the whole story. His two interceptions in the first half were tough to watch, as he just sailed some throws and his INT at the end of the first half essentially helped give the Sooners three points, extending their lead to 16-10 at the half. His lost fumble returned for a TD gave Oklahoma new life and needed momentum as well.
Outside of a 54-yard touchdown to Braylon Staley, which he broke free for a long run, nothing really went to plan for Aguilar before his late TD to Mike Matthews. Was the moment too big for Aguilar? We don't think so, as he has been able to make huge plays for this team this fall.
Against OU, Tennessee needed him to be at his best in what was deemed a College Football Playoff elimination game and that version of Aguilar was nowhere to be found against the Sooners, who are going to enjoy this victory on their way back to Norman. We're not picking on Aguilar, but even he'll be quick to admit that he could have played much better.