TENNESSEE (4-5, 1-4 SEC) vs. NO. 12 KENTUCKY (7-2, 5-2)
3:30 p.m. at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville
VIDEO & RADIO
SEC Network & 106.5 FM
THE MATCHUP
If the Volunteers expect to have any level of success on offense against Kentucky, they're going to have to have some semblance of a rushing attack and avoid becoming too predictable. To do that, they're going to have to have a cohesive performance from their injury-plagued offensive line, which took a step back in last week's win against Charlotte after showing progress in previous games despite the absence of its top talent. Developing the line and putting players in the right positions within the group was a point of emphasis in practice this week, and it will continue to be because Tennessee quarterbacks have been tackling dummies for opposing defenses this season. The Wildcats' visit will present a good test because Kentucky's defensive strength is in its front seven, with senior linebacker Josh Allen, a highly rated NFL prospect, leading the way. If the Vols' offensive front can control the line of scrimmage, it will help them get their running backs to the second level and give Jarrett Guarantano time to throw. If not, it will be another long day.
ONE TO WATCH
Kentucky's Benny Snell Jr. has been the most productive running back in the Southeastern Conference this season, toaling 1,008 yards and 10 touchdowns on 199 rushes, but he was nicked up some in the Wildcats' 34-17 loss to Georgia last week. If - and it's a big if - the Vols can slow him down and make quarterback Terry Wilson beat them, they'll have a much better chance of being successful. But if Snell has a dominant day, the Wildcats will have a dominant day, because it's no secret they want to run the football.
IN THE END
The Vols' bowl chances come down to whether they can win at least two of their final three regular-season games, with Missouri visiting next Saturday before the Vols close at Vanderbilt on Nov. 24. Although this one seems to be the longest shot of the three, there's something to be said about motivation. The Vols looked lackluster while beating the 49ers 14-3 last week, with junior Marquez Callaway saying afterward, "I think a lot of us underestimated Charlotte." Meanwhile, the Wildcats spent a lot of energy battling in a winner-take-all game for the SEC East title against Georgia, only to lose. Tennessee's motivation down the stretch is getting to a bowl; Kentucky's is making the best bowl possible. Although "Tennessee upsets Kentucky" is not a phrase usually uttered when it comes to football, prepare to hear those words as first-year Vols coach Jeremy Pruitt add another notable win to last month's upset at Auburn.
PREDICTION
Tennessee 21, Kentucky 17