The College GameDay crew is split on Cats vs. Vols

It’s a big one tonight, folks. No. 10 Kentucky hosting No. 5 Tennessee inside Rupp Arena, one of the day’s best matchups in a slate full of incredible games.

The College GameDay crew was live from the Dean Dome on Saturday previewing another blockbuster between No. 3 North Carolina and No. 7 Duke. As always, they closed out the show with their top picks of the day, Cats vs. Vols among the games.

What do the experts think about the matchup? Well, they’re split. One side is worried about Kentucky’s defense, the other believes in the Cats’ ability to defend their home floor after the Florida loss earlier in the week.

“I think the way Tennessee played, it looked like they were on their heels against South Carolina,” Andraya Carter said. “They were hesitant offensively. I think they come with a spark and an energy. Kentucky’s defense is porous at times — a lot of the time.”

“Kentucky’s offense is good, I don’t think their defense is great perimeter-wise,” Jay Williams added. “And I think Tennessee makes shots.”

“Kentucky’s got to figure out how to stop Dalton Knecht. Adou Thiero is going to be the key in that matchup,” Seth Greenberg said. “Ugonna Onyenso is going to be the difference. I think Kentucky wins this game and defends homecourt.”

“I like Kentucky. They rarely lose two in a row at home,” Jay Bilas closed. “I think Kentucky wins the game.”

An even 2-2 split.

The College GameDay crew is split on the Cats vs. Vols. pic.twitter.com/xpbIqHLQAk

— KSR (@KSRonX) February 3, 2024

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. We’ll find out who is right then.