The eighth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (7-1) travel to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers (6-2) at Neyland Stadium in a matchup that could shake up the College Football Playoff picture. Tennessee has dominated the rivalry historically, winning 17 of the last 20 meetings, but this year's contest carries different stakes.
Kentucky Running Backs Held Under 100 Combined Yards
Volunteers defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam has recorded 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks this season. His interior pressure is expected to disrupt a Kentucky rushing attack ranked 57th nationally at 161.6 yards per game and 42nd in yards per carry (4.6). The prediction holds Jason Patterson, CJ Baxter and Jovantae Barnes to fewer than 100 combined rushing yards.
George MacIntyre Sacked Twice, Commits Turnover
Assuming George MacIntyre starts at quarterback for Tennessee, his recent struggles — three interceptions against Arkansas and Alabama, 6.1 yards per attempt in his last two starts, and critical fourth-quarter mistakes versus South Carolina — make him vulnerable against a Wildcats defense that has posted an 8.94% sack rate over its last three games and ranks third nationally with 2.4 takeaways per game. The forecast sees MacIntyre taking multiple sacks and losing a fumble or throwing an interception.
DeSean Bishop Gains 90+ Yards but Averages Under 4.0 Per Carry
Tennessee runs the ball on 60.52% of its offensive plays. Kentucky's run defense allows 6.7 rushing first downs (31st), 121 yards per game (31st) and 3.7 yards per carry (39th). While dual-threat quarterbacks have gashed the Wildcats, MacIntyre is not a running threat, putting the load on All-SEC back DeSean Bishop. He has been held under 4.0 yards per carry twice this season (against Texas and South Carolina) and is projected to do so again despite a heavy workload.
Faizon Brandon Sparks Second-Half Comeback
With Tennessee's offense inconsistent and MacIntyre turnover-prone, head coach Josh Heupel is predicted to insert true freshman Faizon Brandon (6-foot-4) in the second half. Brandon's athleticism would add a dimension Kentucky hasn't prepared for, potentially re-igniting the Volunteers' attack and securing a win that would also spark a quarterback controversy.
