The Matchup: Kentucky (2-1, 0-1) vs. Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-2)
The Venue: Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky
The Kick: Noon ET
TV: SEC Network
Series record: Series is tied 41-41-4 in 86 all-time meetings.
Last meeting: Four interceptions from Jalen Whitlow led to a 22-6 loss by the Wildcats during Vanderbilt’s second consecutive nine-win season.
Coaches: Mark Stoops (4-11), Derek Mason (1-3)
Last game (Kentucky): One play away from a landmark win, the Wildcats lost in triple overtime at Florida, 36-30, on Sept. 13 after the Gators tied it on fourth-and-goal from the 9-yard line in the first extra session.
Last game (Vanderbilt): The Commodores showed some fight against 13th-ranked South Carolina, falling 48-34 at home.
Kentucky wins if: The front seven keeps Vanderbilt’s running game in check and puts pressure on true freshman quarterback Wade Freebeck. Freebeck’s the starter if Patton Robinette (concussion-like symptoms) is unavailable.
Vanderbilt wins if: The Commodores continue their recent success on special teams with playmaker Darrius Sims and give Ralph Webb the football at least 20 times. Webb’s proven to be a solid running back as a first-year player, a hard-nosed ballcarrier who could give Kentucky’s defense headaches.
What it means if Kentucky wins: The Wildcats’ 17-game losing streak in the SEC will be no more. Kentucky’s last conference win came against Tennessee on Nov. 26, 2011.
What it means if Vanderbilt wins: Marginal improvement continues. If there’s one game the Commodores can win in the SEC this season, it’s this one despite being a two-touchdown underdog.
