LIVE BLOG: Kentucky at Tennessee
Kentucky is trying to avoid its first four-game losing streak since 2015 when they take the field Saturday night at Neyland Stadium to play the seventh-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Kickoff is at 7:45 pm EST on the SEC Network.
It’s going to be a raucous Saturday night in Knoxville. A sell-out crowd is on hand as the Vols go into Dark Mode. They’re 4-0 in blackout games and Josh Heupel is 20-0 outright as a home favorite. His teams have scored a touchdown in five plays or less every time they’ve faced the Wildcats. However, they have been scoreless in the first half of each of their last three games. That’s one trend Kentucky will need to remain consistent to have a shot at knocking off another Top 10 team.
Check back here throughout the night for live updates. You can also join the conversation on the KSBoard Game Thread. Join KSR+ today and get seven days for $1.
Tennessee won with efficiency
11/2/2024, 11:51:40 PMExplosive plays and red zone stops gave Kentucky a great chance as a three-possession underdog, but Tennessee’s down-to-down efficiency was just too much to overcome. The Vols created nine scoring chances in 13 possessions and two third quarter takeaways ultimately flipped the game.
FINAL: Tennessee 28, Kentucky 18
11/2/2024, 11:35:30 PMAfter a heavy dose of Dylan Sampson runs, Tennessee shifted into victory formation and will leave Neyland Stadium with another victory. Josh Heupel is now 21-0 outright at home when favored. The minus-two turnover mark was just too much for Kentucky to overcome and that’s before we even consider all of the injuries.
Cats fall to 3-6.
A turnover on downs will end it
11/2/2024, 11:26:10 PMKentucky got into an obvious dropback situation and the offensive line simply could not hold up. A fourth down Tennessee sack would’ve ended the drive sooner if not for a facemask call but a false start and holding flag back-to-back quickly created third-and-a-mile that turned into a turnover on downs.
Looks like Kentucky’s valiant effort is going to come up short.
Kentucky cannot get off the field on third-and-long
11/2/2024, 11:11:57 PMTennessee got their best drive of the night rolling quickly, but Kentucky created two third-and-seven situations in scoring territory. Nico Iamaleava was able to extend the drive each time.
A rollout dart for nine yards to Dont’e Thornton might go down as this game’s most important play to save Tennessee from attempting another 40-plus yard field goal. A hitch completion to Bru McCoy three plays later gets Tennessee in the low red zone and Dylan Sampson ends another drive.
Kentucky couldn’t get off the field and now trail by 10 with under five minutes left in the game.
Snap miscommunication ruins a promising drive
11/2/2024, 11:01:52 PMAfter entering Tennessee territory, Kentucky gets behind the chains when Gavin Wimsatt and Eli Cox have a miscommunication on a shotgun snap. That leads to third-and-a-mile ultimately resulting in a punt.
Kentucky’s defense will need to create another stop.
Kentucky records another three-and-out
11/2/2024, 10:55:30 PMHow about another three-and-out? Josh Heupel goes pass-heavy and a drop by Chas Nimrod on third-and-short takes a potential huge explosive play off the board. The Cats get off the field quick, and a short punt gives the offense the ball back 66 yards shy of the endzone with under 13 minutes remaining.
Can Bush Hamdan’s group create another scoring opportunity?
Ja’Mori Maclin records the octopus in Neyland Stadium
11/2/2024, 10:52:33 PM“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”
Gavin Wimsatt finds Dane Key over the middle on third-and-long to extend the drive and then hits North Texas transfer Ja’Mori Maclin on a beautiful pitch-and-catch on a go-ball for a 32-yard touchdown. After a delay of game penalty on the two-point conversion, Wimsatt breaks the pocket right and connects to Maclin on another small window throw to record all eight points.
We have a three-point game with over 13 minutes to play.
Welp, That Sucked
11/2/2024, 10:33:33 PMKentucky was in field goal range with a third and five. Wimsatt had not thrown a pass yet. He was slow to deliver the hitch route and Tennessee’s Will Brooks jumped it. Wimsatt made a touchdown-saving tackle at the 10-yard line. Two plays later Tennessee scored a touchdown to take a 21-10 lead. That might do it.
Gavin Wimsatt enters the Game
11/2/2024, 10:30:05 PMThe Rutgers transfer did not take one snap all night, deviating from the typical plan this season. It looks like Vandagriff was injured when he was sacked by Pearce. He was spotted heading to the locker room with a towel over his head. He is probably done for the day.
A Dropped Interception
11/2/2024, 10:31:57 PMThe flipped field put the Vols on their heels. Zion Childress got press on Nico who let one sail on third down. It hit Nasir Addison right in the hands. The second-year player is getting his first extended snaps at the position this season. An interception would’ve given the Cats the ball in the red zone, but unfortunately, it fell to the ground.
Third Down for What?
11/2/2024, 10:22:57 PMI thought we got rid of this years ago. Please, get Lil Jon out of here. Neyland Stadium is annoying enough as is. This third-down bumper music is the only thing more annoying than Rocky Top.
It worked for the Vols this time. James Pearce was coming in HOT and he drilled Brock Vandagriff to force a Kentucky punt. It feels like the wheels are wobbly, but Aidan Laros had his second booming punt of the night. He sent it 60 yards to flip the field, and a block in the back is going to back Tennessee up down to their own 7-yard line.
Tennessee finally grabs the lead
11/2/2024, 10:16:33 PMOur first lead change of the night comes after Kentucky’s second turnover. Tennessee’s offense gets another red zone possession after the sack fumble and feeds their star. Tailback Dylan Sampson gets three consecutive carries to give the Vols a 14-10 lead.
Can Kentucky’s offense respond after the turnover?
Tennessee creates another short field
11/2/2024, 10:12:53 PMAfter moving the chains, Kentucky goes to a true dropback on first down and Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs quickly beats right tackle Malachi Wood. Brock Vandagriff doesn’t feel the pressure, fumbles the football, and now Tennessee is in the red zone again.
Can Kentucky’s defense bow up one more time?
Another red zone stop leads to another Tennessee missed field goal
11/2/2024, 10:05:51 PMTennessee made another offensive drive looks easy — until the red zone. After a second down pass breakup from true freshman cornerback Terhyon Nichols created a third-and-long, we saw Max Gilbert miss another field goal.
The redshirt field goal was perfect from 45 yards or less entering this game and is now 0-for-3 on attempts from 34, 40, and 43 tonight.
Kentucky wins the Middle 8.
Deep dive look at the box score
11/2/2024, 9:49:58 PMThose of you on Twitter/X know that I post advanced stat box scores for each Kentucky game. Now it’s time to bring the data to the live blog. One thing really stands out — Tennessee’s inability to finish drives.
The Vols produced only seven points on three red zone possessions with two missed field goals. Kentucky scored 10 points on three red zone possessions. That is the difference so far. Explosives (135 yards on five splash plays) have allowed Bush Hamdan’s offense to create scoring chances. Cats did a good job of turning a roughing passer call into a Middle 8 field goal.
Weird End of Half
11/2/2024, 9:38:49 PMWe had more clock issues before the half. Nico slid passed the first down marker with :02 on the clock. They didn’t have enough time to get a play off, but the Vols certainly thought they had enough time. The half ended without a Hail Mary attempt and Tennesse gets the ball first to start the third quarter.
Another Made Field Goal for Alex Raynor
11/2/2024, 9:35:34 PMThe aforementioned clock snafu slowed Kentucky’s momentum. Wilcox probably had a first down and then some on a well-blocked run, but Tennessee was so far offside, that they had to blow the play dead. Brock Vandagriff didn’t get north-south on a third down QB draw, forcing the Cats to take the three points with a 32-yard field goal from Alex Raynor to give Kentucky a 10-7 lead. Raynor is now 13-13 this year.
Tennessee Clock Problems
11/2/2024, 9:33:18 PMThe Neyland Stadium clock operator really didn’t want to give Kentucky a chance to score late in the half. The Vols were flagged for an offsides. A penalty stops the clock. They ran it from 46 seconds down to 20.
Mark Stoops had to give officials an earful for what felt like a few minutes before officials conferred and told the clock operator to put 46 seconds back on the clock. They put up 36. When officials corrected them again, they put 26 on the scoreboard. It was finally corrected, but come on people. Get it together!
Stay Classy, Tennessee Fans
11/2/2024, 9:24:36 PMTre’vonn Rybka was banged up on the bottom of the pile. Tennessee fans believe every injury is fake, so the student section chanted something the broadcast probably wishes they could’ve edited out.
Fourth Down Scramble Helps Tennessee Score
11/2/2024, 9:13:38 PMKentucky was oh so close to preserving a shutout. On fourth and 5, Kentucky rushed four. Nico Iamaleava broke contain to his left and scrambled for a first down. A few plays later, he found a wide-open tight end downfield to get the ball inside the 10. The defense didn’t go down without a fight, but the Vols punched it in from the 1-yard line.
Freshman Peyton Lewis scored the first touchdown of his career. It’s the first Tennessee touchdown in the first half since September. Kentucky will get the ball back with 4:45 left until halftime. Vols will receive the ball first in the second half.
Penalties Kill the Kentucky Drive
11/2/2024, 9:01:47 PMTennessee was the primary penalized, flagged four times early in the game. It finally bit Kentucky. Brock Vandagriff scrambled to regain a bunch of yards lost by a sack, but it was all for not. A holding penalty, followed by a false start, backed up Kentucky inside their own 5-yard line.
Fortunately, Aidan Laros’ leg bailed out the Cats. The Kentucky punter bombed it 56 yards. The Tennessee return man couldn’t catch it cleanly, recovering the muffed punt right away. Tennessee starts the drive on their own 36.
ANOTHER TENNESSEE MISSED FIELD GOAL!
11/2/2024, 8:57:41 PMThe Kentucky defense came up with two huge plays in the red zone. Tennessee had a touchdown until Jordan Lovett absolutely rocked the tight end to jar the ball free. On third and long, Nico got hit by three UK defenders before Tyreese Fearbry recorded the sack. The 40-yard field goal was missed, keeping the Vols off the scoreboard, still trailing 7-0.
Entering tonight’s game, Max Gilbert was perfect on field goals of 45 yards or less. He has two misses from inside that distance tonight.
Barion Brown Sidelined with a Rib Injury
11/2/2024, 8:50:12 PMThe Kentucky wide receiver picked up 15 yards on a screen pass. When he was tackled he took a shot to the ribs. Dick Gabriel reports he left the injury tent with ice on his side. Consider him questionable to return.
First Quarter Stats: Kentucky Leads 7-0
11/2/2024, 8:44:06 PMTennessee has gone four straight first quarters without scoring a point.
This was not a penalty?
11/2/2024, 8:39:53 PMPrior to Brock Vandagriff’s interception, he scrambled out of bounds. A Tennessee player standing on the sideline didn’t try to catch the Kentucky QB. He stuck his hands out and knocked Vandagriff to the ground. The official was looking right at this, but no flag was thrown. Why?
Kentucky Takes it Back!
11/2/2024, 8:38:00 PMTwo plays after the Kentucky interception, Keeshawn Silver ripped the ball from Dylan Sampson’s hands and Jamon Dumas-Johnson recovered it. This game is approaching Banana Land.
Another Tip-Ball Interception
11/2/2024, 8:33:31 PMIf Brock Vandagriff throws a pick, there’s a good chance it happened after it hit one of his players. He tried leading Hardley Gilmore inside, away from the defense. The freshman reached out and it slipped through his hands and into the Tennessee defender’s. Vols’ ball at the Kentucky 45-yard line.
Tennessee Drops a Touchdown
11/2/2024, 8:27:48 PMIt looked like Kentucky made a costly penalty. A facemask wiped away a Tennessee 3rd and 14 and moved the chains for the Vols. Nico saw the matchup he wanted and dialed up a deep ball to Chris Brazzell. It was a beautiful pass and looked like a 49-yard touchdown, but the transfer from Tulane could not survive the impact of the ground. The ball was dropped and the Cats were able to take down Nico on third and long to give Kentucky two straight stops.
Look at that Tight End Touchdown
11/2/2024, 8:23:19 PMThrowing it more to the tight end actually worked.
Explosive Offense?!?! Kentucky Scores First!
11/2/2024, 8:18:32 PMBenching Brock Vandagriff lit a fire under the worst passing offense in the SEC. He connected with Hardley Gilmore for a 25-yard gain to start the drive, then hit Dane Key on third and eight for a gain of 17. They finished the drive by going five-wide and NOT running a QB draw. They threw and Josh Kattus was wide open for a 27-yard touchdown.
Kentucky can’t score in the red zone, so they’re scoring from outside of the red zone. What a time to be alive.
Kentucky Defense Holds Up to Force a Missed Field Goal
11/2/2024, 8:11:37 PMTennessee was rocking and rolling. It looked like things were going to get out of hand until Tennessee native Tre’vonn Rybka came up with a second down sack to put the Vols behind the chains. On third and long, Kentucky stopped the Vols about six yards short of the line to gain.
Rather than letting them kick the field goal from there, Mark Stoops accepted a Tennessee holding penalty. A great tackle on a screen pass forced a 43-yard field goal. Max Gilbert hit a low line drive and missed it, just his fourth miss in 16 attempts this season.
Another Empty Red Zone Possession
11/2/2024, 8:02:19 PMIt wasn’t the 2-yard line, but it is the fourth straight week Kentucky has gotten the ball inside the 10-yard line and came away with zero points.
The second down pass into the end zone was tipped into the air and nearly intercepted. Kentucky escaped by a hair and a Brock Vandagriff QB draw made it 4th and 2. Instead of taking the points, Mark Stoops chose to go for it. The play-action play design was creative, but Tennessee blitzed and played man. Nobody got open, resulting in a turnover on downs. We just can’t have nice things.
An Explosive Play?!?!?!
11/2/2024, 8:01:08 PMKentucky did not have one run for 30+ yards this season. On the first play from scrimmage, Jamarion Wilcox went 50 yards right through the heart of the second-best run defense in college football. Kentucky is inside the red zone three plays into the game.
“Vols” signage is absolutely gigantic
11/2/2024, 7:55:33 PMTennessee athletic director Danny White brought back the “VOLS” letters at the top of the stadium after fans had been clamoring for them for years. I can’t understate how big they arm. In a monstrosity of a stadium, they stand out in a ridiculous way.
Tennessee wins the toss and defers
11/2/2024, 7:54:08 PMJosh Heupel has decided to let his defense go on the field first after winning the toss. This game will begin with Kentucky getting the football. All signs point to Brock Vandagriff getting the start.
Can Kentucky avoid another slow start? The Vols have jumped out early in every game since Heupel took over in Knoxville.
Beer Barrel Back?
11/2/2024, 7:46:44 PMThe Beer Barrel was traded back and forth for decades until the DUI tragedy that killed a Kentucky Wildcat one week prior to the 1998 matchup. The original still sits in the Tennessee equipment manager’s office. One Vol fan has created his own version of the Beer Barrel and even had mugs made for the occasion.
Packed House at Neyland
11/2/2024, 7:42:28 PMEven though Erik Ainge and other UT hacks were describing this game as a CFB Playoff Dress Rehearsal, you couldn’t tell that by the way the fans are treating it. Tennessee fans filled most of the seats in the stadium more than 35 minutes before kickoff. They are not lacking any juice for this Dark Mode game.
Last-Minute Player Updates
11/2/2024, 7:37:29 PMDaveren Rayner plans on using his redshirt this year. He has one game to retain his eligibility and Mark Stoops tells Tom Leach he will use it tonight. We may even see him some at Jack LB to spell JJ Weaver.
Brock Vandagriff will start at quarterback for Kentucky. Gavin Wimsatt will still be used from time to time.
How To Watch/Listen
- Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. ET
- TV: SEC Network (Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic)
- Watch college football games live – try Fubo for free! Click HERE NOW.
- Local Radio: UK Sports Network (Tom Leach, Jeff Piecoro, Dick Gabriel)
- AM: 840 WHAS, 630 WLAP
- FM: 98.1 WBUL
- Online: iHeart Radio
- Sirius XM: 374 (UK); 158 or 191 (Tennessee)
- Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard