Some of my literary contributors apparently were spoiled by their team’s 3-0 start in which Tennessee football outscored its opponents 191-13. Either that or they’re just harsh critics.

They didn’t get another landslide victory against the Sooners last week, so they criticized coach Josh Heupel’s conservative play-calling in a 25-15 victory.

I’ve also gotten feedback from a few Oklahoma fans, one of whom called the Vols “cheap-shot artists.”

Chris writes: The Oklahoma game was very alarming. UT should have won this in a runaway, but Heupel and his staff “turtled.” Someone may want to give him his “man card” back. Actually, this was about as pathetic of a top-20 win as you can get. Oklahoma will be lucky to win seven games.

My response: There’s nothing pathetic about Oklahoma’s defense. Because of that and injuries to UT’s starting offensive tackles, Heupel was smart to call a conservative game.

The game reflected how Heupel has evolved as a coach. He doesn’t have to overwhelm an opponent with a high-speed, high-scoring offense. He can win at a slower tempo and with defense as well as offense.

Chris writes back: I agree … just got a little frustrated. But I shouldn’t have. UT is leaps and bounds above where they have been recently.

Richard writes: You guys are cheap-shot artists. No class.

Late, dirty hits. Lousy officiating.

But good for Josh, who we like.

We are not a southern state or school and it’s a mistake joining the Dixie league. How stupid by Oklahoma officials. However, we will eventually win big down in Dixie. We have more money and tradition.

Oil my friend, oil.

My response: The Sooners have had oil pumping in their favor for quite a while but haven’t won a national title since 2000. It will take more than oil to prevail in the SEC.

Cheap shots? Lousy officiating?

Congrats on having your excuses lined up. Better have some more handy when you play Texas.

Sam writes: Tennessee won the game. That’s good, but its overall performance was marginal against a totally inept Oklahoma offense.

Nico didn’t look like a Heisman Trophy candidate to me. I’ll give him a C+.

Except for the last two minutes of the game, it was a boring game. Except for Alabama and Georgia, the rest of season will be easy.

My response: The Sooners offense has struggled, in part, because of a rash of injuries in the line and receiving corps. But Oklahoma has a talented defense, and coach Brent Venables is an exceptional defensive coach.

That and Heupel’s conservative play-calling factored into Iamaleava’s pedestrian stats – 13 of 21 passing for 194 yards and one touchdown. For the season, he has completed 69.3% of his passes for 892 yards and seven touchdowns. Stats like that won’t make him a Heisman finalist.

Iamaleava easily could have better stats if he had played more in Tennessee’s three lopsided victories. But the Vols aren’t trying to win a Heisman. They’re trying to win a national championship.

And Iamaleava is impressing the right people. NFL scouts had to be wowed by several of the throws he made against Oklahoma.

Terry writes: A rude and appropriate welcoming to the SEC for the team from Oklahoma.  An impressive performance on the road from the Vols.

Obviously, the UT defense was stout again this weekend, and the Big Orange Heup train shoved the Schooner into the L-column ditch.  With the Stoops connection at yet another SEC program (Mark Stoops at Kentucky), and Coach Heup’s undefeated record against both, can we safely assume him to be the Stoops’ new Daddy figure? 

My response: You might be on to something. As a head coach, Bob Stoops won one national title with Josh Heupel, and none without him.

Mark Stoops’ next national title as a head coach will be his first.

Colorado Mark writes: Brent Venables has officially replaced Mike Elko (Jeremy Pruitt II) as the dumbest coach in the SEC, and I am sure Jackson Arnold will agree. 

ADAMS: Tennessee football is more than a playoff contender after turning back Oklahoma

OU is in big trouble with that offensive line. Good luck in the SEC. Cue the ‘fire Venable’ crowd. He just met the Peter Principle face to face.

My response: I’m sure Florida fans would trade Billy Napier for either one of your “dumb coaches.”

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.