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

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 3, 2020; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano (2) looks to throw during a SEC conference football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Missouri Tigers held at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brianna Paciorka-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 3, 2020; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano (2) looks to throw during a SEC conference football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Missouri Tigers held at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brianna Paciorka-USA TODAY NETWORK /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 12: A general view of the goalpost before a game between the UCLA Bruins and the Tennessee Volunteers on September 12, 2009 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. UCLA beat Tennessee 19-15. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 12: A general view of the goalpost before a game between the UCLA Bruins and the Tennessee Volunteers on September 12, 2009 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. UCLA beat Tennessee 19-15. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

5. Field goal kicking issues

Matt Ruffolo of the Kentucky Wildcats and Brent Cimaglia of Tennessee football have both had some problems place kicking this year. They each have only made one field goal and missed an attempt from beyond 40 yards. However, there is another miss by both of them that looms large, and in one case, it cost the outcome of a game.

Against the Ole Miss Rebels, Ruffolo missed an extra point in overtime. That’s why Lane Kiffin’s team was able to get the 42-41 win after it scored. Things like that happen way too often in this sport, and after missing two extra points last year, you have to worry about Ruffalo. He’s got the leg, though, as he did nail a 50-plus yarder last year. Consistency is key.

The same holds true for Cimaglia. He was in line to be an All-SEC kicker this year after making 23 of 27 field goals last year, including both attempts beyond 50. However, he has made only one of three kicks this year, and that includes hooking a 38-yarder, where he is supposed to be automatic. To be fair, he still hasn’t yet missed an extra point in his career.

If this game does come down to defense and turnovers, a couple of mistakes in the kicking game could be crucial. Ruffolo seems more prone to making one, but Cimaglia has a lot to prove given the way he has started the season. As a result, this will be a crucial aspect of the matchup.

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