Tennessee, Kentucky Meet in SEC Clash in Knoxville

Nov 1, 20242 min read

Josh Heupel | Tennessee HC — ©Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Head coach Josh Heupel and the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers (6-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) will face another conference opponent when the Kentucky Wildcats (3-5, 1-5) come to town in Week 10. The Volunteers had an off week in Week 9 as the Wildcats hosted the Auburn Tigers (3-5, 1-4) and lost 24-10. The Volunteers and Wildcats will face off on Nov. 2 at 7:45 p.m. EST at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.

What's at Stake?

Heupel is looking to improve his overall record as Volunteers head coach to 34-13 with a victory.

The Wildcats will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they travel to face the Volunteers.

Key Players: Tennessee

RB Dylan Sampson, DE James Pearce Jr.

Sampson has been an absolute workhorse for the Volunteers' offense and has been what really helps the offense shine. He has 17 touchdowns on the season, which ranks third in the entire FBS and leads the entire SEC.

Pearce Jr. has been what keeps the Volunteers' defense a dominant powerhouse. With not only being mocked in the first round of this year's upcoming NFL Draft, he has also been dominant for the Volunteers' defense. He leads the team with 5.5 tackles for loss and in sacks with 3.5.

Key Players: Kentucky

LB J.J. Weaver, WR Dane Key

Weaver has been seriously relied on in the Wildcats' defense all season long. He ranks third in school history with 37.5 tackles for loss. He also has 21.5 career sacks, which ranks fourth in school history, and only needs two more to tie Bud Dupree for No. 3.

Key has been quite a player in the Wildcats' offense as he is a favorite target for quarterback Brock Vandagriff. Key has 39 receptions for 587 yards on the season; 12 of those receptions have gone for 20 yards or more.