Every player in Kentucky-Tennessee game flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for second straight year

We might need to start talking about Kentucky-Tennessee as one of the most heated rivalries in college football.

After both teams got into a scrap following a Volunteers touchdown, referees issued an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to every player across each team.

Every player on Kentucky and Tennessee has been assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. One more for anyone on either side equals an ejection. Good move from the officials. This was teetering on the edge of getting out of hand.

— David Ubben (@davidubben) November 10, 2018

This blanket ruling would be stranger if it hadn’t happened in last year’s game between the teams, too. Just like in last season’s game, any player who receives another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be ejected.

It’s unclear where the animosity between the Wildcats and Volunteers started, but credit the officials for being quick to shut down any jawing or shoving after plays. No. 11 Kentucky is probably more likely have emotions boil over in the second half, which the Wildcats will begin trailing 17-0 on the road.