The last time Kentucky beat Tennessee was in 2011, in the "Matt Roark Game". Roark had the game of his life and got carried off the field.
The Kentucky Wildcats are coming off of a rough loss to an above average Mississippi State team. But, the Cats are looking to bounce back in a big way this weekend at Kroger Field against longtime rival, Tennessee.
The Cats are looking for more than just a win in this game. After being embarrassed last week in Starkville, they are trying to prove a point this week and make a bowl game for the second season in a row, and what better opponent to do that against than Tennessee?
The Cats come into Saturdays game as a 4.5-point favorite to beat the Vols in Lexington. If the Cats are going to get a much need, huge win, here are the five things they need to do:
1. Get Stephen Johnson back on track.
Stephen Johnson has had a great year thus far, but last week... Not so good. Johnson finished the day only completing 13 of his 28 passes for only 117 yards. Johnson also threw two interceptions... He had only thrown two all season until last weekend.
Johnson has been amazing under pressure and basically stone cold focused when it came to the big moments. Last week, it was almost like he and the whole team wasn't ready to play, but this weekend, Johnson needs to have a very short memory if he is going to help the Cats get a big victory this weekend.
2. Utilize the Tight End.
Now, I know that I talk about this a lot, but seriously... why not utilize your most valuable player catching the ball? CJ Conrad is a NCAA top-10 tight end in the eyes of the NFL.
If the NFL sees this, why can't Eddie Gran?
Now, like i've said before, I'm not Eddie Gran, nor do I want to be, but wow. You have a diamond in the rough, but you keep digging for silver.
Johnson has caught 90% of the balls that have been thrown his way from Stephen Johnson this season. I think if you run Benny Snell and get the defense going after the run, why not slip Conrad out through the middle and hit him for 10-15 yards?
If the Cats are going to get a big win this weekend, Eddie Gran HAS to get the ball to the tight ends.
3. Score in the Red Zone.
By scoring in the red zone, I mean a couple of things. Kentucky is actually ranked 33rd in the nation in red zone scoring with 90 percent.
But I mean touchdowns. Kentucky has only converted 10 of their 20 red zone appearances into touchdowns this season, while 8 of the 20 have been converted into field goals.
Just think, 32 more points could have been scored this season, if the offense could have just scored a touchdown from inside the 20-yard line instead of having to kick a chip shot field goal.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take the points, but if UK can just make that 50 percent in touchdowns go up to 65 or 70 percent, I think the sky is the limit for this offense. On the flip side, I really believe this offense is going to step up and Eddie Gran will be great in the red zone Saturday against Tennessee.
4. Don’t let Ty Chandler catch you by surprise.
On Wednesday, the big news had dropped that Butch Jones had made a very brave decision by suspending Tennessee’s biggest offensive weapon, John Kelly and freshman Linebacker Will Ignont will also be suspended for the game Saturday Night. The two were cited for marijuana possession in a traffic stop.
Here’s the thing; Ty Chandler is not a bad running back. Chandler has rushed the ball 27 times this season for 118 yards and he has also caught 7 passes for 68 yards, averaging just under 10 yards-per-catch. If there is one thing I would be really worried about, that is Kentucky overlooking a back-up. Especially when that backup can really make you pay in a couple ways on the offensive side of the ball.
5. Put Pressure on Jarrett Guarantano
With Kelly being out for the game Saturday night, this is the game for redshirt freshman quarterback to step up for the Vols. The good news is, even if Guarantano struggles, the Vols won’t have Quinten Dormady, who is the better of the two right now.
Though he was benched two weeks ago, Dormady has completed 56 percent of his passes this season while throwing for 925 yards and six touchdowns. But, Dormady has also thrown six interceptions on the year as well.
This is a game where midseason All-American, Josh Allen needs to step up for the Cats. Allen has 6.5 sacks on the season, which is second in the SEC behind Auburn’s Jeff Holland. It’s crazy to think Allen was the third lowest ranked prospect in the 2015 signing class and being able to see what he has done the past two seasons for the Wildcats. Allen is going to be going big this weekend, and if he doesn’t get at least one sack on Guarantano, I would be very surprised.
Wow was I wrong on my prediction last week. But, this weekend is a huge game for the Cats and they are trying the get to that sixth win of the season, but I don’t believe it’s going to be easy. I think the Cats will come out of the gate swinging, and will have a very fast first drive down the field to score. I believe the Kentucky defense will just be too much for Dormady and the backup running back, Ty Chandler.
My Score Prediction: Kentucky 28 Tennessee 17
This is just what I have to say about the game; What are some of the experts saying?
Alex Martin Smith - SEC Country
More than anything else this season, the fact that Tennessee is a 5-point underdog against Kentucky is indicative of how far the Vols have fallen. And not some great, exciting Kentucky team, either; but one that was just round-housed by 38 points at Mississippi State.
Even if Big Blue fans are already turning their calendars to basketball season, Tennessee is definitely going to lose Saturday. Boy, is it going to lose! The Volunteers’ star running back just got busted for alleged misdemeanor drug possession, the new quarterback can’t find the end zone and the fan base is ready to impeach the coach. Great Kentucky team or not, the Vols can’t buy a “W” right now.
The pick: Kentucky.
Greg McElroy – SEC Network
“I think it’s a fascinating matchup. Who Is Kentucky right now? For Tennessee this game is huge and more important to them. This game will just give them something to smile about.”
Marcus Spears – SEC Network
“Kentucky still has a bowl game in sight and has a opportunity to keep furthering their program. I think this game is more important for Kentucky then it is Tennessee to be honest with you. This is a game their fan base believes they can win and ten years down the road it won’t be Tennessee was 0-4, it will be Kentucky beats Tennessee.”
Barrett Sallee – cbssports.com
Tennessee sits winless in the SEC, with coach Butch Jones on one of the hottest seats in the country and in desperate need of good news. They'll get it, even though the lead-up might not be fun since being underdogs to Kentucky certainly won't sit well on Rocky Top. This comes down to one simple thing: can Kentucky slow down the Vol running game? The answer is no, even though tailback John Kelly is out. The Wildcats have given up more the 200 rushing yards per game in each of their last two games, including 282 and four touchdowns at Mississippi State last weekend. The combination a solid running back corps led now by Ty Chandler and quarterback Jarrett Guarantano -- who can provide more of a threat than he has show so far -- will slice and dice the Wildcats defense, and quarterback Stephen Johnson and Co. won't be able to keep up.
Pick: Volunteers (+5)
Let us know what your predictions are in the comments!