The Kentucky Wildcats (7-1, No. 8 nationally) travel to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers (6-2) at Neyland Stadium in a rivalry that dates back to 1893. Tennessee has dominated recently, winning 17 of the last 20 meetings, but this matchup carries added weight with Kentucky ranked in the top 10 and Tennessee fighting to stay in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Kentucky Running Backs Held Under 100 Combined Yards
Volunteers defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam has been disruptive all season, posting 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. The 6-foot-2, 301-pound lineman is expected to trouble Kentucky's interior, particularly guard Olaus Alinen and center Coleton Price. The Wildcats enter ranked 57th in rushing offense (161.6 yards per game) and 42nd in yards per carry (4.6), with worse numbers against SEC competition. Gilliam's presence should be the primary reason Tennessee limits Jason Patterson, CJ Baxter and Jovantae Barnes to fewer than 100 combined rushing yards.
George MacIntyre Sacked Multiple Times, Commits Turnover
Although not officially announced, George MacIntyre is expected to start at quarterback for Tennessee. The second-year signal-caller is 3-1 this season but has thrown three interceptions against Arkansas and Alabama, averaged just 6.1 yards per attempt in his last two starts, and made critical fourth-quarter mistakes in a loss to South Carolina. Kentucky's defense has recorded an 8.94% sack rate over its last three games and ranks third nationally with 2.4 takeaways per game. MacIntyre is likely to take multiple sacks and either fumble or throw an interception.
DeSean Bishop Gains 90+ Yards but Averages Under 4.0 per Carry
Tennessee has run the ball on 60.52% of its offensive plays this season. Kentucky's run defense allows 6.7 rushing first downs (31st), 121 rushing yards per game (31st) and 3.7 yards per carry (39th). While quarterbacks have gashed the Wildcats on the ground, MacIntyre is not a running threat, putting the focus on All-SEC back DeSean Bishop. Bishop has been held under 4.0 yards per carry twice already this season (against Texas and South Carolina) and is projected to do so again, though he should receive a heavy workload.
Faizon Brandon Sparks Second-Half Comeback
Tennessee's offense has been inconsistent, and the quarterback change has not stabilized the passing game. With Kentucky strong against running backs but vulnerable to dual-threat passers, Volunteers coach Josh Heupel is predicted to insert true freshman Faizon Brandon (6-foot-4) in the second half. Brandon's athleticism and size could provide a wrinkle Kentucky hasn't prepared for, re-igniting the offense and leading Tennessee to a victory that would also ignite a new quarterback controversy.
