Kentucky is looking to avoid another slow start against Tennessee

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Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (0) dodges Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Andru Phillips (23) to strike first with a Volunteer touchdown early in the first quarter Saturday in Lexington. Oct. 28, 2023. © Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Kentucky football program has a Tennessee problem. In the Mark Stoops era, the Wildcats are 2-9 outright against the Vols with three consecutive losses in this series in games decided by one possession. Two of those losses occurred against Josh Heupel. The Wildcats are 0-3 against the play-calling head coach and have fallen into a quick hole in each game.

— 2021: The Vols needed only two plays to score two explosive play touchdowns to take a 14-7 lead in a 45-42 road win.

— 2022: Hendon Hooker found Jalin Hyatt down the right sideline on the fifth play of the game for a 55-yard touchdown. The Vols would roll to a 44-6 victory in Neyland Stadium.

— 2023: Jaylen Wright rumbled 52 yards on the fifth play of the game for an opening drive score. The Vols would add a field on the next possession to grab a 10-0 lead in a 33-27 road victory.

Kentucky has fallen into a quick hole in each game after the Vols scored a touchdown on their opening drive. If that happens again on Saturday night on Rocky Top, the Wildcats could be in big trouble. Over at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility, Kentucky is focused on starting fast.

“We can’t afford to spot them seven points. So we gotta come out firing on all cylinders on defense immediately when the ball is kicked. We can’t give them the first drive,” Kentucky cornerback JQ Hardaway told KSR on Wednesday. “We can’t let them get 14. We gotta come out ready to play.”

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“We gotta start out fast,” linebacker Alex Afari Jr. added. “We gotta jump on them first before they jump on us because if they jump on us it can be bad.”

Kentucky survived a slow start in the 20-17 win against Ole Miss, but giving up points on the first possession of the game has occurred multiple times. Florida took a 3-0 lead in The Swamp on their way to a blowout victory. Vanderbilt marched 90-plus yards to take an early 7-0 lead in a 20-13 win. Kentucky did fix their issues against Auburn and will need another fast start in Week 10.

This is a team not built to come from behind. With an offense that is struggling to score, Kentucky’s defense cannot afford to let the team fall into a quick hole. A Big Orange avalanche could be awaiting if that happens.

“You get too caught up in the lights, it’s 30-zip quick,” said Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker.