Another Tennessee/Kentucky game, and another Tennessee win. Since 1985, the Wildcats have only beaten the Vols 3 times, so this result should not have been too much of a surprise. And when it comes to games at Kroger Field, the Vols have now won 19 of their last 21 trips north.

Much like the Vols hardly ever find a way to beat Florida, the Wildcats rarely get past Tennessee. Mark Stoops has been the head coach at UK for 11 seasons, with much of that time while UT was mediocre at best. But Kentucky is now 2-9 against Tennessee under Stoops, and Cats fans are understandably frustrated.

Look no further than Stoops going for it on 4th-and-1 from UK’s 34 in the 1st quarter. The Wildcats didn’t get it, and the Vols turned that gift into a FG. It was a panic call by Stoops and the Vols took advantage.

It’s Tennessee/Kentucky. Things like that just … happen.

Let’s delve into the stock report for Tennessee football following a 33-27 win for the Vols in Lexington.

Player of the Week: Charles Campbell

Am I going to give this prestigious honor to a kicker? Why yes … yes, I am. Tennessee’s Charles Campbell kicked 4 FGs, with lengths of 44, 49, 34 and 35 yards, the latter banging in off the top of the goalpost. He also converted all 3 of his extra point attempts.

Of course, UT would rather score TDs, but those kicks kept Tennessee in control of the game. The Vols never trailed the Wildcats in this game, thanks in large part of Campbell’s clutch kicks. Campbell is now 15-of-17 on FG attempts this season, with his only misses coming from 50 or more yards.

Freshman of the Week: Chas Nimrod

The redshirt freshman from Bentonville, Arkansas, only had 1 catch against Kentucky, but boy did UT need that one. Nimrod burned his defender and caught a 39-yard pass from Joe Milton for a TD. That play came midway through the 2nd quarter and gave Tennessee a 20-10 lead.

The deep ball has been severely lacking for this Tennessee offense, but just maybe Nimrod can help change that soon.

Biggest surprise: Lack of defensive pressure

Coming into this game Tennessee was ranked 3rd nationally in sacks, averaging 4 per game. They were ranked 6th in tackles for loss with 8.1 per game.

But against Kentucky we didn’t see the Vols in the Wildcats backfield very often. Omarr Norman-Lott had the only sack for UT, and as a team the defense collected only 4 tackles for loss.

Biggest concern: Tennessee secondary

UK QB Devin Leary entered this game completing only 54% of his passes and had thrown 7 INTs. The NC State transfer has not been very impressive this season. But against the Vols he looked like Joe Montana, completing 72% of his passes. Leary went 28-of-39 for a whopping 372 yards and 2 TDs.

The loss of Kamal Hadden to season-ending shoulder surgery is being felt in that defensive backs room. UT got past UK on Saturday night but might not be as fortunate against future ranked opponents Missouri and Georgia.

Developing trend: Passing game improvement

Despite a 2nd half to forget last weekend for the entire Tennessee roster at Alabama, Tennessee QB Joe Milton threw for 271 yards. Against Kentucky he went 18-of-21 for 228 yards and a TD.

Following a win over Texas A&M in which Milton only threw for 100 yards, you wouldn’t have expected Milton to improve, especially with his accuracy. But UT sure is happy to see it.

Key stat: 253 rushing yards

The Vols entered this game ranked 7th in the country in rushing offense, picking up 217.3 yards per game. Against Kentucky, UT beat that handily, rushing for 253 yards. Jaylen Wright had a team-high 120 yards on 11 carries, including a 52-yard TD that opened the scoring. Dylan Sampson had 75 yards on the ground, including a 12-yard TD scamper in the 4th quarter. Jabari Small added 32 yards.

And don’t discount the contribution of Milton, who has been more active in the run game lately. Milton had 10 carries against UK.

Tennessee relied on its run game to close the game out, and they came up with some key 1st downs.

First impression about Week 10

vs. UConn: It’ll be Homecoming Weekend on The Hill, and Tennessee alums returning to campus will get an early kickoff (noon) and see the Vols face a paycheck opponent.

UConn is coming off a 21-14 loss at Boston College, a loss that dropped the Huskies to 1-7. Tennessee knows that more difficult opponents lie ahead and would love to get their starters some rest. This game would also give younger players who haven’t seen the field very much the opportunity for playing time.