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Tennessee football vs. Kentucky: Five key Wildcats to watch for against Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 1, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) hands the ball off to running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (24) during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) hands the ball off to running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (24) during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (24) celebrates during the third quarter against the Florida Gators at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (24) celebrates during the third quarter against the Florida Gators at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 833. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Senior. 3. Running back. Christopher Rodriguez Jr.

5’11” 224 pounds

It’s a bit ironic actually. Kentucky is 1-2 ever since Chris Rodriguez Jr. has returned. However, it didn’t take Rodriguez long to become their leading rusher, as over the last two games, he rushed for 126 yards against the South Carolina Gamecocks and then an insane 197 yards against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

For the year, Rodriguez has 72 carries for 395 yards and three touchdowns. He also has five catches for 41 yards. The reason UK is 1-2 without him is because of a missed field goal, a missed extra point and a safety against the Ole Miss Rebels and then a crucial injury to Will Levis against South Carolina.

With a week off, though, he should be even more in rhythm, which will make this interesting. Tennessee football has an elite rush defense, but they haven’t faced a physical back like Rodriguez all year. As a result, they have to contain him throughout the game, particularly since he seems to make everything at least a four-yard gain.

Last year, Rodriguez had 22 carries for 109 yards against the Vols, and the goal of Kentucky’s is to control the clock. As a result, UT has to contain him at all costs, and that could be extremely hard to do. Their interior defensive line and defensive tackles will have their hands full with him.

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