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Greg McElroy says Tennessee at Kentucky is a ‘must win,’ makes pick
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Greg McElroy is ready to see if No. 21 Tennessee can earn a quality road victory at Kentucky this weekend.
Tennessee (5-2) is coming off a 34-20 loss at Alabama in which they held a 13-0 lead and 20-7 edge at halftime. Meanwhile, Kentucky (5-2) lost at home 2 weekends ago to Missouri 38-21.
The teams both have 2-2 records as they’re tied in the SEC East standings behind Georgia, Missouri, and Florida, making this is critical contest according to the ESPN analyst.
“I think Kentucky is going to give them all they want. Tennessee’s road woes have been something of note,” McElroy said. “…You’ve got to be mindful of that for sure. ”
McElroy is interested in Tennessee’s running game against Kentucky’s defense. Tennessee leads the SEC and is 7th in college football with 217 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, Kentucky ranks second in the SEC and 13th in the FBS in rushing defense with 96 yards per game.
McElroy points out an alarming trend for Tennessee in 4th down situations. The Vols are 3-of-13 on 4th downs and 1-of-5 when the distance is 1 yard or less.
“They’re going to be an aggressive group. That’s what they’ve been. They’ve been that way for as long as I can remember,” McElroy said. “…It’s something they need to figure out especially against a group that is pretty dang stout against the run.”
McElroy has a lack of faith in Kentucky in this contest primarily because of quarterback Devin Leary. The senior hasn’t passed for over 205 yards since Sept. 23 at Vanderbilt.
“The reason why I don’t love Kentucky in this game is because I don’t at the moment trust Devin Leary to play efficient football…This has been a pretty rough stretch for Devin Leary as far as his efficiency numbers are concerned,” McElroy said. “…Devin Leary’s got to play his best game of the season to date if they are going to beat the Tennessee Volunteers.”
McElroy is predicting Tennessee to avoid a losing streak and dispel the notion of their inability to win big road games.
“I like Tennessee to get the job done on the road to alleviate some of the concerns that we’ve seen from that group on the road and to finally knock off a team that’s really, really good away from their home venue,” McElroy said.
