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It’s amazing how two teams can travel such similar paths. For Kentucky and Tennessee, its been four years since either team has made a bowl game appearance and five since either held a winning record.
In 2012, both programs hired new head coaches. Kentucky hired former Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops on Nov. 27. Tennessee named Cincinnati’s Butch Jones its head coach 10 days later.
Kentucky showed promise early in 2014, starting with a 5-1 record. The Wildcats surpassed their win total from the past two seasons combined. Tennessee started slow, going winless in conference games before a 45-42 overtime win over South Carolina in Week 11.
Entering Saturday’s game, the momentum has shifted for both teams. The Vols struggled to find consistency on offense before inserting quarterback Joshua Dobbs into their lineup. But Dobbs has proven to be the perfect fit for coordinator Mike Bajakian’s “multiple” (read option) offense.
Tennessee’s turnaround couldn’t have come at a better time. The Vols are two wins from ending their bowl drought and have three remaining games. After facing one of the nation’s toughest schedules, Tennessee ends its season with three favorable matchups all played in its home state.
Kentucky has been less fortunate as of late. The Wildcats find themselves facing a four-game losing skid and have struggled to find consistency. Aside from a career-best performance against No. 1 Mississippi State, quarterback Patrick Towles has struggled in Kentucky’s past four games, throwing for under 200 yards in three games.
Though it may not have the buildup of several other matchups, Kentucky-Tennessee will be a crucial factor in a tale of two seasons. The Wildcats can avoid a historic collapse with a win on Saturday. The Vols will add credibility to Jones’ “brick by brick” rebuilding promise and keep fan optimism high.
Saturday’s game will be the most important meeting between the two programs in recent memory. Both teams look to make progress in their rebuilding process by securing bowl eligibility and capturing a win against an SEC rival.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky