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Tennessee football at Kentucky: 10 keys to the game for Vols and Wildcats

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 3, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; A general view before the game between Kentucky and Ole Miss at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; A general view before the game between Kentucky and Ole Miss at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops looks at a replay on the scoreboard during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops looks at a replay on the scoreboard during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

In what has become commonplace over the past few years, the Border War Saturday comes with similar implications for both teams. Tennessee football and the Kentucky Wildcats will face off at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky., with no chance of winning the SEC East but a chance to work their way into the top 25 rankings.

Since Kentucky has won two of the past four and is favored for the fourth time in five years Saturday, this game truly is a rivalry now. Also, in a rare scenario, they enter with more to play for, as a New Year’s Six bowl game is still on the table for them.

It’ll be an uphill climb for Tennessee football to re-establish dominance in the series. However, the 4-4 Vols have a huge opportunity against a 6-2 team that is No. 18 in the AP Poll and No. 17 in the Coaches Poll. Kentucky obviously wants to snuff out that opportunity. What will determine who gets their wish? These are the 10 keys to the game between Rocky Top and UK.

10. Kentucky’s confidence after two-game losing streak

Morale is low with Mark Stoops’ team right now. It’s one thing to get blown out by the Georgia Bulldogs. However, losing by two touchdowns to the Mississippi State Bulldogs off a bye is very concerning. When you consider the fact that they have four wins by a touchdown or less and barely beat the UT Chattanooga Mocs, you have to wonder if they are lucky rather than good.

If we are thinking that, it’s likely the team is thinking that as well. Look, outside of one 10-3 season in 2018, Kentucky fans and players have had no reason to believe they are a top 20 caliber team. That’s no knock on Stoops. He does an amazing job there. It’s just about the program.

Taking all this into account, they could be reeling getting set to face Tennessee football. Despite their 34-7 win at Neyland last year, this type of low confidence combined with the Vols’ historical dominance in the series could be a recipe for them to slip up in a big way. Being able to overcome that is going to be a huge deal.

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