There is no denying that something special is happening with this Kentucky football program. The Wildcats have continued to find ways to win in big moments, and their latest victory over Vanderbilt pushed them to 7-1 on the season. Under first-year head coach Will Stein, Kentucky has quickly become one of the most talked-about teams in the country, and now the Wildcats have an opportunity to make an even bigger statement. However, the challenge gets much tougher this weekend.
Kentucky will travel to Knoxville to take on the No. 13 Tennessee Volunteers in what could be one of the biggest games in this rivalry’s history. The Wildcats enter the matchup ranked No. 6 in the country, while Tennessee comes in at 6-2 after suffering a narrow loss to South Carolina. Both teams have College Football Playoff aspirations, and Saturday’s matchup could have major implications for the SEC race.
This is not going to be an easy environment for Kentucky. Neyland Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in college football, and Tennessee has historically given the Wildcats plenty of problems. In fact, Kentucky has lost five consecutive meetings against the Volunteers, including last year’s 56-34 matchup in Lexington.
If Kentucky wants to take another step toward becoming a legitimate SEC contender, this is the kind of game it has to find a way to win. There are a few things that immediately stand out when looking at this matchup.
First, Kentucky has to establish its identity offensively. Kenny Minchey has been extremely efficient this season, throwing for 1,755 yards and 14 touchdowns while only throwing one interception. However, Tennessee has one of the more aggressive defensive units in the country. The Volunteers have done an excellent job getting after opposing quarterbacks, and Kentucky cannot afford to allow Minchey to spend the entire evening under pressure.
Establishing the running game with CJ Baxter and the rest of the Kentucky backfield will be extremely important. If the Wildcats can find success on the ground, it should open up opportunities for Minchey to make plays through the air. Kentucky also needs to do a better job finishing drives. Opportunities could be limited against this Tennessee defense, and settling for field goals instead of touchdowns could come back to haunt the Wildcats.
Defensively, Kentucky has one major assignment: find a way to slow down DeSean Bishop. The Tennessee running back has been one of the most productive players in the country this season, entering the matchup with 957 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. The Volunteers have built much of their offensive identity around the ground game, and Bishop is a big reason why. Kentucky’s defensive front and linebackers will have to be physical, tackle well, and make Tennessee earn every yard.
I also think Kentucky’s ability to create turnovers could be the deciding factor in this game. The Wildcats have been outstanding in that department this season, carrying a plus-13 turnover margin into Saturday’s matchup. If they can continue forcing mistakes while protecting the football themselves, they will give themselves a legitimate opportunity to leave Knoxville with a victory.
Another thing working in Kentucky’s favor is the confidence this team has built throughout the season. The Wildcats have already proven they can win difficult games in hostile environments, and this team does not appear to be intimidated by the moment. However, Tennessee presents a different kind of challenge, especially with its defensive front and the atmosphere expected at Neyland Stadium.
Ultimately, I think this is going to be a close, physical SEC battle that could come down to the final possession. Tennessee has the home-field advantage and a dangerous rushing attack, but I believe Kentucky’s ability to protect the football and make plays in critical situations will keep the Wildcats in position to win.
I’m going to give Will Stein and the Wildcats the benefit of the doubt. However, as a 33 year old Kentucky fan I still can’t find it in me to pick Kentucky to win in Neyland Stadium. I hope Will Stein and his Wildcats make me eat crow but I feel like this could be the moment when the incredible run just runs out of juice.
My prediction: Kentucky 24, Tennessee 27.
Here’s how the rest of the Cats Coverage Staff feels about the game:
Wyatt Huff: Kentucky 24, Tennessee 20 MVP – Nic Anderson
Tim Smith: Kentucky 31, Tennessee 17 MVP – Ty Bryant
Nate Unthank: Kentucky 20, Tennessee 24 MVP – Henry Boyer
Braden Nevius: Kentucky 21, Tennessee 23 MVP – CJ Baxter
Tres Terrell: Kentucky 35, Tennessee 28 MVP – Ty Bryant
Ethan Grantz: Kentucky 24, Tennessee 14 MVP – Willie Rodriguez
Tyler Russell: Kentucky 35, Tennessee 31 Kenny Minchey
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