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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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Kentucky’s Trevin Wallace, #32, celebrates with his defense teammates in the end zone after his 72-yard touchdown return in the Wildcats’ 20-13 win Saturday night. Oct. 2, 2021Kentucky Vs Florida October 2021
Kentucky’s Trevin Wallace, #32, celebrates with his defense teammates in the end zone after his 72-yard touchdown return in the Wildcats’ 20-13 win Saturday night. Oct. 2, 2021Kentucky Vs Florida October 2021 /

4. Big plays on special teams

This is a way to explain how Kentucky got to 6-0 in the first place, but both the Wildcats and Tennessee football have been part of wacky special teams plays throughout the year. In a cold-weather matchup, that could have a huge impact Saturday.

Kentucky beat Florida thanks to Trevin Wallace returning a blocked field goal 76 yards for a touchdown. Then, just last week, they seemingly took control early against Mississippi State when Josh Ali returned a punt 74 yards to give them a 7-0 lead.

On the other side, the Vols have blocked two punts this year. Now, both came in losses, against the Pittsburgh Panthers and Alabama Crimson Tide, but Velus Jones Jr. also had a punt return over 40 yards to set UT up with a potential game-winning touchdown against Ole Miss. He ran one back against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles as well, but a fluke penalty waived it off.

Simply put, both teams are capable of big special teams plays. They’re also capable of miscues to allow such plays. Kentucky has missed two extra points on the year. The Vols have muffed a punt and allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown. Any return turnover, missed extra point, blocked kick or special teams touchdown would be huge in this game. One will likely happen.

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