Tennessee football preview vs. Kentucky: Can the Vols pull an upset?

The 11th ranked Kentucky Wildcats roll into Knoxville for the annual rivalry against the Tennessee Volunteers. Here is all the information you need for the game.

What’s wrong with the world? The Kentucky Wildcats head into Neyland Stadium ranked 11th in the nation and six-point favorites over the Tennessee football team. But, why? Yes, they have a good defense, but that offense is nothing short than pathetic. Well, that’s if take away All-SEC running back Benny Snell.

The Wildcats are looking to do something that they haven’t accomplished since President Ronald Reagan held office. Kentucky hasn’t beaten Tennessee in Neyland Stadium since 1984. There are a lot of you reading this not even alive in 1984.

There is something else Kentucky and accomplish with a win that hasn’t been done since 1976-77. That’s the last time the Wildcats beat the Vols in back-to-back seasons. The cost of a gallon of gas was just 59 cents and Polaroid cameras sold for $28.00.

Here is all the information you need for the Vols’ game vs. Kentucky Wildcats.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Kentucky Wildcats

When: Saturday, November 10 at 3:30 p.m.

Where: Neyland Stadium; Knoxville, Tennessee

TV: SEC Network

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Line: Kentucky -6.5

Over/Under: 42

WATCH College Football ON ESPN+: Get your free 7-day trial of ESPN+

VIEW OF THE VOLS

Record: 4-5, 1-4 SEC

Last 3: 1-2

Last 5: 2-3

We’ve reached the point in the season to where we know everything there is to about the Tennessee football team. The offensive line is still struggling which always calls for concern, and the defense becomes gassed as the game rolls on.

However, there is some good news heading into the game. Running back Ty Chandler appears to be at least healthier. Chandler has been a difference maker this season when he is healthy. In a three-game span against Georgia, Auburn, and Alabama, Chandler scored a receiving touchdown. The Vols need that type of production from the sophomore running to have a chance against the stout defense of Kentucky.

Can the defense stop the run and make quarterback Terry Wilson beat them? In the two losses the Cats took to Texas A&M and Georgia, Snell rushed for under 75 yards with only one touchdown. If Tennessee can stop the running game, they will have a chance in the fourth quarter.

VIEW OF THE WILDCATS

Record: 7-2, 5-2 SEC

Last 3: 2-1

Last 5: 3-2

Benny Snell is a stud, and everyone knows it. He’s the class of SEC running backs, and without him, Kentucky wouldn’t be near as good. On the season, Snell leads the SEC with 1,008 rushing yards and has added ten touchdowns this season.

If you can make Terry Wilson pass, you win the game. Don’t let the 67.6 passing percentage fool you. Wilson is a dink and dumb type of passer. He’s only thrown six touchdowns to six interceptions this season. However, he can move out of the pocket and become dangerous for any defense. He is also coming off two-straight 222-plus passing games.

The Kentucky defense has only given up over 20 points one time this season, and it came last week against Georiga. Moreover, the defense has been so good they’ve held four teams to under ten points.

View from Us

The weather is going to be cold, and both offenses have struggled at times. Taking the under 42 is probably one of the safest bets this season unless the Vols defense just doesn’t show up. I fully expect this to be a closer game than the 6.5-point spread may suggest.

Do teams have letdowns after losing to Georiga? It seems that way. Missouri, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Florida all lost the following week after losing to Georiga. Kentucky lost to the Bulldogs last week. Will history repeat itself? Tennessee 17 Kentucky 14.