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

3. Vols intermediate pass defense vs. Kentucky’s lack of passing game

When it comes to covering wideouts, Tennessee football has no problems as long as Bryce Thompson is at cornerback. However, covering slot guys and tight ends have been a major issue, largely due to the Vols’ inside linebackers still developing when it comes to pass coverage and the safeties too often being out of position.

It’s clear that Rocky Top misses Nigel Warrior. He was the glue for the unit at safety last year, and without him, there is a bit of a learning curve. Shi Smith of the South Carolina Gamecocks had 140 yards and a touchdown, and Kearis Jackson of the Georgia Bulldogs had 91 yards and a touchdown. Tight ends finished second on both teams in receiving in their games against the Vols.

On the other hand, though, the Kentucky Wildcats have no passing game outside of Josh Ali, their go-to wideout who will be covered by Thomson. As a result, something will have to give in this game, and we honestly don’t know what it will be. Will UT’s intermediate pass defense against slot guys and tight ends come through, or will UK find a passing game with those guys?

Whichever one turns out to be true will be a huge deal. The Vols have already proven themselves everywhere else defensively, so if their pass defense comes through, they should win in a blowout. If Terry Wilson generates such a passing game, however, then Kentucky all of a sudden makes this a very interesting game.