2014 Sooner Football Non-Conference Schedule Released

Oklahoma's 2014 non-conference schedule was released today and is highlighted by a home matchup with Tennessee on Sept. 13. It will be the first visit by the Volunteers to Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

That contest will also mark the first time Oklahoma has played Tennessee in the regular season. The Sooners beat the Volunteers 26-24 in the 1968 Orange Bowl, the last time these two met. OU will go to Tennessee in 2015.

"We have always strived to feature marquee non-conference opponents on the Oklahoma schedule," athletic director Joe Castiglione said. "Our longtime philosophy of scheduling high-caliber FBS opponents becomes even more important in 2014 with strength of schedule factoring into the College Football Playoff equation. Without question, the opportunity to schedule a two-game, home-and-home series with a program with the tradition of Tennessee is a win-win for both programs and their passionate fan bases."

The SEC opponent highlights the schedule, but a home date with Louisiana Tech kicks it off on Aug. 30. It will also be the Sooners' first meeting with the Bulldogs, who went 9-3 a year ago and 8-5 in 2011.

Last up on the non-conference schedule is another contest with Tulsa on Sept. 20. OU will make its first road trip to Tulsa since a 62-21 victory in 2007. The Sooners are 7-0 against the Golden Hurricane under Bob Stoops after last week's 51-20 win.

"We are excited to continue our in-state series with Tulsa as a way to acknowledge our appreciation for the tremendous support from our fans in that area of Oklahoma," Castiglione said. "Northeast Oklahoma has long been a prime source of talent for the Sooners, not to mention that Tulsa is a respected program that registered 11 wins, including a bowl victory last season."