In terms of a bounce-back win, this is exactly what Tennessee needed after the nightmare finish against South Carolina. Against No. 6 Kentucky (CFP rankings), the Vols did more than what was needed to record a convincing 34-6 win, with several players coming up huge to deliver for head man Josh Heupel.
And while Heupel has said multiple times that his team is not looking ahead to the College Football Playoff, this result 100 percent not only keeps the Vols' hopes alive, but it also improves their chances of reaching the CFP - they're now at 33 percent per the ESPN broadcast.
With the initial rankings, the Vols were among the first teams out with Ohio State. The Buckeyes lost to Oregon, essentially ending their season. BYU and Ole Miss also suffered defeats, which will no question help the Vols leapfrog them come Tuesday night, while also jumping the Wildcats.
Tennessee's clutch win over Kentucky has this team 3 wins away from reaching the CFP
At halftime, the Vols were up 10-6, but then in the third quarter, it just seemed like Kentucky's offense couldn't get into the usual groove we're all used to seeing. Give credit to Tennessee supporters as a whole for that, as Neyland Stadium was ROCKING in the second half, clearly making things tough, communication-wise, for Kenny Minchey Jr. and his teammates.
On the flip side, Tennessee was far from perfect, too, for a little bit, but the Vols did what was needed to improve to 7-2 on the year. On offense, Daune Morris was a hero, with his 66-yard TD run being major. Hey, how about some love for Faizon Brandon as well?
His 28-yard run in the third quarter helped set up a 37-yard field goal from Cooper Ranvier, but his 24-yard TD to Mike Matthews in the fourth quarter was so much fun to see. Don't forget about DeSean Bishop, who finished with over 100 yards and two TDs, including the one to end things in style with 1:06 to go.
On defense, have a night, Qua Moss. The stud defensive back had two forced fumbles, including one with 30 seconds left in the third quarter. Not long after that, Tennessee was able to take full advantage, with Brandon and Matthews hooking up for their memorable score.
Sky Cam of the Mike Matthews Touchdown 🔥 pic.twitter.com/23tZoA0YuL
— gmannVOLS (@gmannVOLS) November 8, 2026
After all the trash that Kentucky fans were talking throughout the week, sorry, but we're not sorry: they've been humbled in the best/worst way possible depending on who you ask. Stein thinking he could replicate the fan noise? Adorable, dude. The Kentucky fans who painted The Rock blue can enjoy a long ride back to Lexington with a big L in their backpacks.
Tennessee will get a nice boost in the AP Poll on Sunday, and then even more good news is going to arrive in a few days via the second set of the CFP rankings. Yes, there are absolutely plenty of things to get cleaned up, but the second win of the season over a Top 10 team (Alabama) is something Vols fans everywhere can celebrate. Next up is a dance on the road at Texas A&M, and UT will enter that showdown with a ton of confidence. Win out the rest of the season, and the CFP dreams for 2026 will come true. This victory over UK was clutch, no doubt.
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