Kentucky vs. Tennessee: Numbers You Need to Know

It’s almost time for Kentucky vs. Tennessee. The game formerly known as the Battle for the Beer Barrel has brought nightmares to the BBN for years. Throw that aside for a moment and look at this game on paper. It looks much closer than you may think. Here are the stats, facts and numbers you need to know:

4 — Losses in the Vols’ last five road games. Opponents have averaged more than 30 ppg. in those losses and each margin was by double digits.

4.0 — Sacks per game by the Tennessee Volunteers, the fourth-most in the FBS. James Pearce and Tyler Baron have combined for a dozen sacks, ranking individually in the top seven in the conference. The Kentucky offensive line has allowed 11 sacks this fall, the second-fewest in the SEC.

5 — Interceptions by Max Hairston are the most in the SEC. The cornerback’s eight passes defended rank fifth in the conference.

6.8 — Yards per attempt by Joe Milton ranks No. 91 in FBS. Josh Heupel offenses have ranked in the top 20 of the statistical category in six straight seasons.

7.04 — Yards per carry by running back Ray Davis, the highest in the SEC. He’s scored a touchdown in all seven games and has multiple scores in four contests.

11 — Straight games with a touchdown by pass by Joe Milton.

12 — Straight made field goals by Alex Raynor, who is 6-for-6 this fall.

40.1 — Wilson Berry‘s punting average is the worst in the SEC.

43.8 — Percent of the time Kentucky opponents are converting on third down, the second-worst third down defense in the SEC.

71.7 — Plays per game by Tennessee, which is significantly higher than Kentucky’s SEC-worst 54.7 plays per game.

95.7 — Rushing yards per game by Kentucky opponents. The Wildcats have the second-best rush defense in the SEC and it ranks No. 15 nationally in EPA.

217.3 — Rushing yards per game by the Vols are the most in the SEC. It’s a balanced attack that’s featured Milton even more as of late. The QB is gaining over 9 yards per carry.

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