At The Half: Tennessee 23, Kentucky 17

The Tennessee Volunteers struck first in the Halloween weekend rivalry game in Lexington. The visitors in the throw-up orange and white held Kentucky to a three-and-out on the game’s first drive, then scored right away on their first offensive possession, going 70 yards in five plays for a quick 7-0 lead at Kroger Field.

On Kentucky’s second attempt with the football, the Wildcats attempted a fourth-down try in their own territory, only for Tennessee to take over on downs at the Kentucky 34-yard-line. The Vols settled for a field goal to extend the early lead to 10-0.

Kentucky got some points on the board early in the second quarter in the form of a 28-yard field goal by Alex Raynor. The drive went 66 yards in 10 plays to set up Raynor’s three. Tennessee responded with a field goal of its own to make it 13-3, then the shootout really began.

Trading Touchdowns

Down by 10 and starting to find some rhythm in the passing game, Devin Leary hit Dane Key for two receptions, Barion Brown for two receptions, and Tayvion Robinson for another on the Cats’ next drive. Brown’s second landed in the end zone for his second receiving TD of the season. The 11-yard toss made it 17-10 on the scoreboard.

Tennessee would respond with a touchdown of its own five plays and 75 yards later, only for Kentucky to strike right back before the end of the half. Kentucky’s second 75-yard drive ended with a seven-yard run by Ray Davis. Davis is the first Wildcat since Randall Cobb to score a touchdown in the first eight games of a season.

Cheaters

Tennessee got a free field goal at the end of the half because of a bad call that allowed a 17-yard grab on the sideline. Tennessee’s receiver had a foot on Alumni Drive when he pulled the ball in, but the stripes called it good.