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Tennessee is a 8.5-point favorite in Saturday’s game against Kentucky. Here’s a look inside some of the numbers:
THE GOOD
300-100: Joshua Dobbs became the first quarterback in school history to record 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in a single game. The dual-threat sophomore provides the best option in Tennessee’s “multiple” (read option) offense. Dobbs looks to continue his success against Kentucky’s struggling rush defense.
125: Jalen Hurd recorded a career-best 125 yards on 21 carries. He added seven catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. Hurd and Dobbs look to become a solid tandem for Tennessee’s offense, despite a lack of experience.
7.0: Derek Barnett holds the Tennessee freshman record for sacks in a season (7.0). Barnett will be crucial in stopping Kentucky quarterback Patrick Towles, who has the mobility to make plays out of the pocket.
THE BAD
32: Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed 32 sacks this season and is averaging four sacks allowed per game. The Vols rank No. 118 overall in sacks allowed, the seventh worst in the FBS. Tennessee will face a Kentucky defensive line that features senior Alvin “Bud” Dupree, who has a team-best 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.
42: Tennessee’s defense allowed a season-worst 42 points against South Carolina. The Gamecocks recorded 625 yards of total offense, including 377 passing yards and 248 rushing yards. Kentucky is coming off a 353-yard game against No. 16 Georgia and averaged 4.5 yards per play.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
