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Tennessee football: Vols, SEC, Top 25 predictions for Week 1 of 2018

By Caleb Calhoun

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 11: A general view of the stadium before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 11: A general view of the stadium before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

Central Michigan Chippewas at Kentucky Wildcats

Saturday, Sept. 1 at 3:30 p.m.; Kroger Field; Lexington, Ky.

TV: ESPNU; Line: Kentucky -17; Over/Under: 49.5

Caleb Calhoun

The Kentucky Wildcats would have had a tough test for an opener were this game last year. But the Central Michigan Chippewas have lost pretty much everybody, including quarterback Shane Morris, making things easier on Mark Stoops’s team in the opener. Sure, the Wildcats lost Stephen Johnson as well, which Tennessee football fans won’t mind, but they return 15 starters overall.

Stoops has a 50-50 chance of getting on the hot seat this year despite two winning seasons. Everything will come down to the play of new quarterback Terry Wilson. He’ll struggle early, but this CMU team is going to be so bad that it won’t matter. Kentucky wins and covers, but don’t take the over. Central Michigan will struggle too much on offense.

Kentucky: 38 Central Michigan: 3 (Kentucky -17; Under)

Billy Williford

Kentucky is a 17-point favorite? What in the world is going on? Is Kentucky even that good to be a 17-point favorite over anyone on their schedule? I am not buying it. I have the Cats winning this game by 14 points, but it would not surprise me at all if it were closer. However, Kentucky does have an experienced roster, and they are coming off back-to-back bowl game appearances. Oh, and there is a guy named Benny Snell Jr.

The running back is not only one of the best in the SEC but in all of the nation. In two season at Kentucky, he has racked up over 2,300 rushing yards with 32 touchdowns. Vol fans know all too well about the burst Snell shows and how he has the talent to take over a game. He rushed for 180 yards against Tennessee last season, and I would not be surprised if he ran for at least a buck 50 against Central Michigan.

Kentucky: 38 Central Michigan: 24 (Central Michigan +17; Over)

Garrett Sanders

Kentucky has one key strength that’s in their favor. Benny Snell. Snell, one of the best running backs in the country, is the best at his position in the SEC. Ball control will play a vital role in this game. Another crucial role to this game is the turnover battle. Central Michigan forced a ton of turnovers the year before. If Kentucky turns over the ball frequently, this game will stay close to the very end.

Kentucky also has a battle at the quarterback position. Mark Stoops has a decision to make come
gameday. Will it be Terry Wilson or Gunnar Hoak? Whoever it may be, Kentucky cannot afford to turn over the football. I expect Kentucky to win this game, but they won’t cover the spread at 17. If you’re looking for a potential upset, this could be your game. If it’s close to the very end, Central Michigan very well could pull off the upset. Only time will tell.

Kentucky: 28 Central Michigan: 16 (Central Michigan +17; Under)

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