SEC Matchup: Kentucky @ Tennessee
Best Bet: Tennessee -12.5
#3 ranked Tennessee is continuing their 3 game home stand against SEC rival #16 Kentucky. The Wildcats are coming into Neyland Stadium with a 5-2 record SU and 5-2 ATS. Tennessee Vols enter the contest 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS. In their last 15 games, UT is 12-3 ATS & 5-2 ATS at Neyland Stadium.
Kentucky was able to snap their 2 game losing streak by beating Mississippi State right before their bye week. Kentucky RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 197 yards and two scores on 31 carries. In the same game, Kentucky committed 11 penalties for 84 yards and a lost fumble. UK was able to handle the game against MS State by holding the ball, and owning the time of possession. To beat the Vols, UK would need to repeat that formula which is a tall task against a tough UT defense.
Tennessee enters the matchup looking to remain undefeated and continue on their path to a national championship game for the first time since 1998. Tennessee has made easy work out of most of their schedule so far this season. Florida and Alabama put up fights, but this Vols team finds ways to win. Hendon Hooker has been phenomenal this season putting together a very strong Heisman Trophy bid in a highly explosive offense. On the season, Hooker has 2,093 yards passing, 18 TDs to 1 INT, 190.8 Passer Rating. 5 of the 18 TDs came in a record breaking game against the Crimson Tide. Jalin Hyatt broke onto the scene big time against Alabama catching all 5 of Hooker’s TD passes. Hyatt has scored 9 times in UT’s last 3 games. Jabari Small has been in the endzone at least once in each of UT’s previous 4 games. Just imagine how quick this offense will look in their black uniforms. UK is going to need more than skill to win this matchup.
Maybe the best thing UT has going for them is that they faced off against UT Martin the week following a major upset victory over Alabama. The Vols were able to take care of business against UT Martin in what some would consider a look ahead game. Josh Heupel has his guys focused week in and week out.
