Kentucky vs. Tennessee National Media Predictions

We are inching closer to kickoff between Kentucky and Tennessee. The Wildcats are still a 3.5-point underdog, but the game feels like a toss-up. Ahead of the 7 pm EST kickoff on ESPN, the national media predictions are almost evenly split. Will Tennessee have a let-down? Will Kentucky finally get it together? Let college football’s top prognosticators seek out those answers before the Saturday night showdown.

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CBS Sports

The fine folks over at CBS are split. Of the seven analysts that submit picks, three are backing the Wildcats to cover and win outright. The lesson to learn: if you’re going to take UK, might as well chase that moneyline.

Barrett Sallee is taking the Vols to win and cover the 3.5-point spread. He explained why:

“The Volunteers rushing attack won’t rebound completely, but it will do enough to keep the Wildcats defense honest and open passing windows for quarterback Joe Milton,” writes Sallee. “The dual-threat quarterback for the Volunteers will rebound from last week’s performance against a passing defense that is giving up 250.9 yards per game. Kentucky simply won’t be able to keep up in this one. Pick: Tennessee -3.5“

Upset Special from ESPN

In his weekly column with Heather Dinich, Adam Rittenberg from the four-letter network is shooting his shot and calling for a let-down from the Vols after a devastating second half performance at Alabama.

“I hit on my last upset pick involving UK (home loss to Missouri), so let’s flip it this time,” writes Rittenberg. “Kentucky has had an extra week to prepare and heal up, especially along the offensive line, where guards Jager Burton and Dylan Ray could be available, along with linebacker Trevin Wallace and nose guard Keeshawn Silver. Tennessee, meanwhile, has to go back on the road after that awful second half in Tuscaloosa. The Wildcats will find a way at home.”

ESPN Matchup Predictor

The Athletic

Austin Mock’s computer projection gives the Vols just a .5-point edge, and calls for the game to go under. “This could be a rock fight.” Stewart Mandel is taking Kentucky and the under with a 27-24 win for the Wildcats.

This one’s tough. Neither team has been overly impressive. They’re both inconsistent. Kentucky took a lot of of momentum into its game at Georgia only to get drubbed. The Vols’ defense had been a strength most of the year, but it folded in the second half last week against Alabama. When in doubt, take the home team.

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USA Today

Bill Bender: Sporting News

“The Vols have had two duds on the road in SEC play against Florida and Alabama, and Kentucky had a bye week to reset after back-to-back losses to Georgia and Missouri,” writes Bender. “Tennessee hammered Kentucky 44-6 last season, and the Vols won the last matchup in Lexington 45-42 in 2021. This line dropped a half-point on some other sports books, but the Vols’ rush defense will be a difference maker on the road.”

Prediction: Tennessee 30, Kentucky 22

On3: All on Tennessee

The Hard Count’s JD PicKell foresees a close game, but doesn’t trust Devin Leary to make the plays to win the game for the Wildcats. He explains why he’s taking the Vols to narrowly cover the spread at Kroger Field. Clark Brooks and Andy Staples, each reoccurring guests on 11 Personnel, aren’t feeling great about the Cats either.

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