Tennessee football vs. Kentucky: 10 keys for Vols and Wildcats

6. Kentucky’s elite pass defense vs. Tennessee deep ball

Although they are outside of the top 50 in passing yards allowed per game, the Kentucky Wildcats actually have a highly efficient pass defense. They are third in the SEC and in the top 20 nationally in passing yards allowed per attempt, by far the most important stat when it comes to pass defense. UK is allowing just over six and a half yards an attempt.

Meanwhile, Tennessee football is all about taking shots under Jim Chaney. Three of Jarrett Guarantano’s four touchdown passes on the year were of 25 yards or more, and all of them were to one particular target: Josh Palmer. Although Chaney wants to establish balance, you can bet he’ll rely on Palmer again when taking some shots.

Last year, Palmer actually had the go-ahead touchdown to beat the Wildcats for the Vols. He was the No. 3 receiver then. As the No. 1 wideout now, he has proven he can replace Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway and be an even greater deep threat than they were. How Kentucky responds will be key to this game.

With six interceptions against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Wildcats certainly have a very opportunistic pass defense. They now lead the SEC in picks thanks to that one game. However, they’ll need to somewhat repeat that performance against the Vols if they are going to win this game. They don’t need six interceptions, but they will need a couple. UT needs one big pass play.