Here are some quick thoughts on Tennessee’s win over Kentucky, the 30th win for Tennessee in the series in the last 31 games.
What it means: The win improves Tennessee to 4-4 as it moved closer to bowl eligibility. Tennessee is two wins from a bowl game for the second year in a row. The Vols haven’t gone to back-to-back bowls since 2009-10. Tennessee could have an eight-win season in its sights as the Vols are likely to be favored in every game the rest of the season. UK’s defense is still looking for answers a week after it gave up 586 yards against Mississippi State. In the final five minutes of the last two games’ first halves, UK has yielded 299 yards and 28 points. “It’s been that kind of year on that side of the ball,” SEC Network analyst Jesse Palmer said after RB Jalen Hurd scored to make it 31-14.
What I liked: Tennessee’s solid defensive outing. With 11:54 left in the first half, Kentucky had three yards passing and negative one yard rushing on 11 plays. DE Derek Barnett’s sack late in the first half gave him three sacks in three games, he added another one in the second half. The Vols’ defense wasn’t without a blemish, though. The Vols allowed Kentucky to continue a recent trend on fourth-down conversions. Tennessee opponents are 13-of-16 on fourth down this season.
What I liked II: Tennessee returned a kickoff and punt for a touchdown for the second time this season. Evan Berry scored his third kickoff touchdown this season.
What I didn’t like: UK RB Boom Williams left the game with a right elbow injury with 6:18 left in the first half. Williams appeared to suffer the injury as he reached to brace his fall near the goal line. Earlier in the game, Williams suffered a rib injury. He had four carries for 12 yards. The team’s leading rusher, Williams is one of the most dynamic players on the UK offense. Entering the game, Williams had 551 rushing yards and three TDs.
Who’s the man: Tennessee QB Joshua Dobbs had a rough start as his fumble was returned 77 yards for a Kentucky touchdown. But he responded with two first-half rushing touchdowns and a 75-yard TD pass to Josh Malone.
Key play: After Kentucky took the lead following the injury to Williams, Tennessee’s ensuing drive was a quick-strike 75-yard touchdown. Dobbs hit Malone — as UK blitzed — for a completion down the sideline with 5:26 left first half, to take a 17-14 lead.
What’s next: Kentucky travels to Georgia for a noon kickoff next week against a Bulldogs team that’s struggling in several areas coming off of a 27-3 loss against Florida. The Vols play host to South Carolina next week.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
