By Abraham Bates
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers (5-2, 2-2) will finally get to play an SEC opponent that does not wear some shade of red this upcoming Saturday when they make the trip to Lexington, Kentucky, to play the blue-colored Kentucky Wildcats (2-4, 0-4).
The Vols are coming off a brutal 37-20 loss at the hands of hated opponent Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and look to right the ship after losing two of their four SEC matchups this season to the likes of Georgia and Alabama. With ranked SEC opponents Oklahoma and Vanderbilt still ahead on the schedule, and having to travel to Gainesville, Florida, to play the Gators in their house later on this season, the Vols see this week’s matchup against the Wildcats as a must-win.
Tennessee holds a dominant all-time series record over Kentucky with 85 wins, 26 losses, and nine ties. Over the past 40 matchups between the two teams, the Vols have won 36 times.
A key to this game for the Vols will be containing the Wildcats’ dynamic rushing attack. Through seven games this year, Tennessee has allowed 133.7 rushing yards per game on defense; not exactly ideal, especially going into a matchup against a Kentucky team that is averaging 155.7 yards on the ground through six games.
“First of all, we’re planning to stop the run,” said linebackers coach Levron Harbin. “They’re a very physical team. They like to get the ball on the edge, [and] the running backs run hard. The tight ends and tackles are very physical and do a very good job with their hands, and have a really good offensive line.”
It’s not just the coaches who recognize the importance; the importance has made its way to the players as well.
“[Kentucky’s] run game stands out a lot, so we just need to lock in on our technique and stuff like that,” said defensive back Edress Farooq.
While it seems that the Vols have zeroed in on their keys to contain the Wildcats, all remains to be seen at kickoff, which is slated for 7:45 p.m. ET this Saturday in Lexington.