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Tennessee football: Vols, SEC and top 25 picks and bets for Week 0 and Week 1 of 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

The Tennessee football team runs through the T during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
The Tennessee football team runs through the T during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /
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Oct 31, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; A general view of the stadium at Kroger Field prior to the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; A general view of the stadium at Kroger Field prior to the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

SEC Network+/ESPN+. Saturday, Sept. 3. 833. Kroger Field; Lexington, Ky.. 7 p.m. ET. 2243. 0. 0

Gambling odds

  • Line: Kentucky -16.5
  • Over Under: 54
  • Moneyline: Kentucky -850; Miami (Ohio) +575

Lots of Tennessee football fans took offense to the Kentucky Wildcats being ranked in both polls to start the season while the Vols were out of both polls. After all, UT returns a ton of talent and beat UK on the road last year. However, UK did finish 10-3 and returns a ton of talent, while the Vols, although they do return a ton of talent, finished 7-6.

Anyway, Kentucky heads into this year ranked No. 20 in the AP Poll and No. 21 in the Coaches Poll. This year, uniquely for a Mark Stoops team, they return the bulk of their talent on offense, which could change the way they approach the season. This may be the most fun UK team to watch in the Stoops era.

They kick things off against a Miami RedHawks team that went 7-6 last year under Chuck Martin. Since his first two rebuilding seasons, Martin has never been more than two games outside of .500 either way. Miami will try to win this game through the air, as it returns a loaded offense that had a dominant passing attack last year.

Prediction

Despite Stoops’ team having a different look, the Wildcats still have an elite defense, particularly in the secondary. As a result, they will shut down Miami’s strength, rendering them unable to move the ball. The offense will score at will, allowing UK to cover. However, the game hits the under because Miami will hardly score at all.

Kentucky: 38 Miami (Ohio): 7 (Kentucky -18; Under 54)

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