NORMAN, Okla. — Josh Heupel zigged and zagged, making his way through dozens of back pats and handshakes from Oklahoma and Tennessee players and coaches on the field, and after he leapt from his feet to complete a final high-five with a fan in the stands, he found refuge in the southwest tunnel at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
At the bottom of the ramp outside Tennessee’s locker room stood his proud father, Ken, waiting patiently for an opportunity to deliver a celebratory shove and a sweet embrace.
No. 6 Tennessee’s 25-15 victory at No. 15 Oklahoma was as dominant of a 10-point win you will see in college football. It was also the most emotional you will see the usually stoic Tennessee head coach in this setting. Back at his alma mater, where he led the Sooners to a national title as quarterback in 2000, he finally allowed the moment to wash over him, and as he wrapped up a press conference late Saturday night, he wanted to share a story…