The Kentucky Wildcats will face the Tennessee Volunteers on Nov. 1 in a ranked SEC matchup at Neyland Stadium. Kentucky carries a six-game winning streak into the game.
The Kentucky Tennessee football matchup features No. 6 Kentucky at 7-1 overall and 5-1 in SEC play against No. 13 Tennessee at 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the conference, according to CBS Sports.
Both teams are coming off a bye week, CBS Sports reported. Kentucky has produced 18 takeaways against five giveaways, while Tennessee has won five consecutive games in the series.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky owns a plus-13 turnover margin after forcing 18 takeaways and committing five giveaways, according to CBS Sports.
- Tennessee has won 19 of the previous 20 meetings in Knoxville, with Kentucky earning one victory in that span, CBS Sports reported.
- Kentucky entered the matchup at No. 6, while Tennessee entered at No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings, according to CBS Sports.
Kentucky Tennessee Football Sets Up a Ranked SEC Test
CBS Sports reported that Kentucky entered the matchup with a 7-1 overall record and a 5-1 SEC mark, while Tennessee entered at 6-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play. Those records set up a meeting between two ranked SEC teams after their respective bye weeks.
Kentucky’s six-game winning streak has carried the Wildcats into the matchup with momentum, according to CBS Sports. Tennessee’s five-game series winning streak gives the Volunteers the recent edge in the matchup.
The game also brings together teams separated by seven spots in the College Football Playoff rankings. CBS Sports listed Kentucky at No. 6 and Tennessee at No.
13 entering the Nov. 1 meeting.
Kentucky Brings a Turnover Edge to Knoxville
CBS Sports reported that Kentucky’s plus-13 turnover margin comes from 18 takeaways and five giveaways. The Wildcats’ turnover numbers provide the clearest statistical contrast entering a game against a Tennessee team that has controlled the recent series.
Tennessee has won five straight against Kentucky, according to CBS Sports. The Volunteers have also won 19 of the previous 20 meetings in Knoxville, giving Tennessee a significant series record at Neyland Stadium.
The Nov. 1 matchup will be played at Neyland Stadium, where Tennessee has won 19 of the past 20 meetings with Kentucky. That home-site record is separate from the overall five-game winning streak Tennessee carries into the game.
Quarterbacks and Defenders Define the Matchup
Tennessee quarterback George MacIntyre was set to make his fourth consecutive start, CBS Sports reported. MacIntyre had passed for 728 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Kenny Minchey had thrown for 1,755 yards, 14 touchdowns and one interception for Kentucky, according to CBS Sports. Kentucky safeties Jordan Castell and Ty Bryant had four interceptions each.
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop had 957 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while Volunteers defensive end Tyree Weathersby had seven sacks, CBS Sports reported.
UK Wildcats Wire reported that Kentucky edge defender Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace had 7.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Jamarrion Harkless had three sacks and three tackles for loss, according to UK Wildcats Wire.
UK Wildcats Wire also reported that Kentucky linebacker Grant Godfrey ranked second in the SEC with 72 tackles. Tennessee defender Xavier Gilliam entered with 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, according to the outlet.
Rankings and Records at a Glance
CBS Sports reported the rankings, overall records, SEC records and recent series streaks entering the matchup. The comparison puts Kentucky’s stronger conference record alongside Tennessee’s recent control of the series.
| Category | Kentucky | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| National ranking | No. 6 | No. 13 |
| Overall record | 7-1 | 6-2 |
| SEC record | 5-1 | 3-2 |
| Current series streak | Lost five straight | Won five straight |
| Previous 20 meetings in Knoxville | One win | 19 wins |
The Defensive Matchup Adds Another Layer
Humphrey-Grace’s 7.5 tackles for loss and five sacks give Kentucky a leading edge statistic on its defensive front, according to UK Wildcats Wire. Harkless entered with three sacks and three tackles for loss.
Gilliam’s 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks give Tennessee a comparable disruptive presence, UK Wildcats Wire reported. Those numbers frame a defensive matchup involving Kentucky’s front against Bishop, who had 957 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, according to CBS Sports.
The Nov. 1 meeting between the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium is the next scheduled game for both teams after their bye weeks, with CBS Sports identifying the ranked SEC matchup as the immediate test for each program.
