The Vols should roll.
Tennessee returns home tonight for their annual meeting with the Kentucky Wildcats. The Volunteers are coming off of a bye, looking to make an impression on the committee ahead of the first CFP top 25 reveal of the season.
Kentucky is banged up, Tennessee is coming off of a win against Alabama — can the Vols keep it rolling? We think so. Our picks are below.
Terry Lambert: Tennessee 31, Kentucky 6
Maybe, just maybe, Nico Iamaleava and the passing game found themselves in that second half against Alabama. We had been waiting for them to hit on a big play or two down the field, and finally it happened two weeks ago. Now coming off of a bye, can they keep it rolling against Kentucky? That certainly would be nice to see.
This Wildcat team isn’t very good and they’re banged up on top of that. This is a spot where Tennessee could go out and make a statement if they wanted to, and they might. Kentucky ranks just 119th in total offense to this point — now they face the third-ranked defense in the land, at Neyland Stadium under the light. Yikes.
Expect to see another tough night for Kentucky in Knoxville.
Craig Smith: Tennessee 38, Kentucky 9
This Kentucky team is so, so bad on offense. And they’re going against one of the best scoring defenses in the SEC this century in the 2024 Tennessee Vols. Like 2022, Kentucky gets absolutely nothing going on offense while the Vols methodically pull away for a comfortable win.
Matthew Seese: Tennessee 31, Kentucky 7
Kentucky has not scored more than 20 points in over a month, and this Vols defense is rolling and is looking to continue to cement itself as the best unit in the country. I anticipate multiple turnovers from the Cats, and though Kentucky’s defense is also a solid unit, I see Tennessee’s defense setting Nico and Sampson up for success all game long.
Connor Sexton: Tennessee 38, Kentucky 10
The Vols are back out of the bye week. College football has been crazy this year but tonight is a chance for the Volunteers to solidify themselves in the CFP race. Dark mode will be turned on and Nevland will be electric. Kentucky is trending in the wrong direction. After an impressive win against Ole Miss (and a near-win against Georgia) it has lost three in a row. I expect Tennessee to take advantage of the Wildcat’s shaky offensive line and suspect quarterback play. Dylan Sampson scores at least two touchdowns. Take Tennessee to cover the point spread.