An SEC East brawl that has divisional stakes as well as national title implications is set for Saturday when the No. 3 Tennessee welcomes No. 19 Kentucky. (Follow HERE for in-game updates.) With a trip to #1 Georgia who could decide the division on Nov. 5, Tennessee will have to focus on the present and avoid a trap as they host a Wildcats team that will seek revenge.
Kentucky’s only home loss in a 10-3 effort last year came against Tennessee as the Volunteers slipped away from Lexington with a 45-42 win despite gaining 612 yards. This year’s version of the Wildcats ranks 84th in total offense with just 373.7 yards per game, but they should be able to move the football against Tennessee.
A downside to the Volunteers’ electric and fast attack is that their defense ends up spending a lot of time on the pitch. Tennessee ranks No. 1 in total offense and scoring offense, but is No. 122 in time of possession and No. 103 in total defense. In last season’s game, Kentucky possessed the ball for over 46 minutes. In the end, the Wildcats didn’t quite keep up with the high-flying Volunteers. Now they have a chance to try again.
How to watch Tennessee vs. Kentucky live
Date: Saturday October 29 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, Tennessee
TV: ESP | Direct: fuboTV (Try for free)
Tennessee vs. Kentucky: Need to know
Will Levis‘ health: Kentucky quarterback Will Levis is “getting better,” coach Mark Stoops said this week. Levis returned from a foot injury and suffered a shoulder injury in the Wildcats’ 27-17 win over Mississippi State two weeks ago. With a week off after this game, Levis should be much closer to 100% after gutting it against the Bulldogs. The scheduled first round NFL Draft the pick has 13 touchdowns to just five interceptions.
Hendon Hooker for Heisman: The campaign is on for the Tennessee super senior quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy. The Virginia Tech The transfer threw for 18 touchdowns and just one interception in seven games this season. He also rushed for 315 yards and three touchdowns while proving he has a knack for escaping the pocket. Expect a lot of NFL scouts to watch Hooker and Levis fight.
Combat in the red zone: Tennessee ranks No. 4 nationally in red-zone touchdown percentage at 82.1% while Kentucky is No. 94 at 56.7%. With the Volunteers ranking 13th in red zone defense, the data indicates the Wildcats are likely getting fewer points on their best drives than Tennessee. Given the explosiveness of their offense, holding the opponents to the field goals marks a big win for the Vols. Settling for field goals in the red zone should be a last resort play situation for the Wildcats reserved for fourth-and-long situations.
Tennessee vs Kentucky Prediction, Picks
These teams combined for 87 points last season, and they should still score plenty of points. Although the Wildcats have struggled offensively at times this season, Levis should be closer to 100 percent this week after a bye week. Kentucky should also get the first receiver Tayvion Robinson back from a leg injury and right tackle Jeremy Lin back from a hamstring problem. The weather is expected to be excellent, which means the conditions will be ripe for scoring. Prediction: Over 62.5
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