Tennessee football vs Kentucky picks: Vols don’t lose to Wildcats in Knoxville, right?

Tennessee football opens a November to either remember or forget with a top-15 matchup against Kentucky on Nov. 7 at Neyland Stadium

The Vols (6-2, 3-2 SEC) lost at South Carolina two weeks ago on a last-second field goal, earning a second SEC loss before the final month of the season.

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Kentucky (7-1, 5-1) is also coming off of an open date and has a clear path to the SEC Championship Game and the CFP. First-year coach Will Stein has molded his roster into a team that limits its mistakes and maximizes other teams’ turnovers.

UK has beaten Tennessee in Knoxville once since 1984, the 2020 win in front of a COVID-limited crowd at Neyland.

Here are Knox News’ staff predictions for Tennessee-Kentucky:

Tennessee-Kentucky expert predictions

Adam Sparks, UT beat reporter: Tennessee 28, Kentucky 24

The Vols can certainly beat themselves against the most disciplined team in the SEC. Kentucky leads the league in turnover margin and fewest penalties. But UT can take control of this game by winning the line of scrimmage. That means DeSean Bishop earns bruising yards and UT’s defensive line collapses the pocket around Kenny Minchey. Give Tennessee the edge because of the overwhelming atmosphere of Neyland Stadium in a night game in dark mode.

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Emmett Siegel, UT beat reporter: Tennessee 24, Kentucky 20

The Vols still have to find something in their passing game, which is statistically the worst in the SEC. Even if that doesn’t come to fruition, though, Tennessee’s rushing attack and defense have been good enough to beat the toughest teams on its schedule.

Perhaps the open week helped Tennessee clean up some of last game’s mistakes before playing a team that doesn’t make many. Playing at home could push it over the top.

Cora Hall, UT beat reporter: Kentucky 27, Tennessee 24

Both teams are had a week off and are rested going into this matchup, and the Wildcats have proven they can will their way to a win when it matters. The Vols will get close, but they’ve been too…

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Publish date : 2026-11-07 10:06:00

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