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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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Aug 7, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a yellow penalty flag on the field during the Arizona Cardinals Red and White training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a yellow penalty flag on the field during the Arizona Cardinals Red and White training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Which Vols team shows up in terms of penalties?

Kentucky has the advantage here, and it’s a huge one. They are No. 2 in the SEC and No. 18 in the nation in fewest penalty yards per game, surrendering 40.88, and they have committed just 38 on the year, averaging less than five a game. This is one of the biggest reasons they have been able to win close contests.

Now, on the other hand, Tennessee football has been Jekyll and Hyde on penalties. They are No. 93 nationally in penalty yards surrendered, allowing 61.88 a game, and they have allowed 53 on the year. However, that’s skewed by their bad games.

UT had 12 penalties for 98 yards in its loss at Alabama, 10 penalties for 85 yards in its loss at the Florida Gators and 13 penalties for 134 yards in its loss to Pitt. They haven’t surrendered more than 50 penalty yards in any other game, and against Tennessee Tech, the Missouri Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks, they totaled seven penalties for 85 yards.

Simply put, which Vols team shows up in terms of limiting penalties will dictate how this game goes. When they are at their best, they are forcing the other team to commit penalties. Can they do that here? If so, they should win.

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