Both Tennessee and Kentucky are in similar positions this year, searching for relevance in the weak SEC East. However, both have been disappointing so far, to varying degrees.
How to watch Tennessee vs. Kentucky on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Both teams really need a win.
Tennessee almost got its big signature victory to jump-start the Butch Jones era last week, but the Vols — and this might shock you — couldn’t hold a late lead to beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The Vols are getting better and have a lot of young talent, but they’re 3-4 with losses to all of the good teams they’ve played, minus Georgia — Oklahoma, Florida, Arkansas and Alabama. Losing to Kentucky would be a big hit and could put Tennessee in danger of missing a bowl game. Win and it could be an easy route to 8-4, with a slight chance to win the division.
Kentucky is 4-3 with no wins against good teams, and the Wildcats are facing a downslide after losing consecutive games to Auburn and Mississippi State, the latter a blowout in which Kentucky didn’t appear to know what it was doing on defense. The Wildcats should — should — make a bowl game this year, but fans need some reassurance that things are getting better on the field, and Mark Stoops could certainly use a win to make fans believe in what his staff is doing on the field.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, SEC Network
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Tennessee is favored by 8.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Rocky Top Talk for Tennessee fans and A Sea Of Blue for Kentucky fans.
Three big things to know
1. It will be interesting to see what happens to both coaches after this game. Is one validated, while one gets put on the hot seat? Both really need to convince their fan bases they’re headed in the right direction.
2. Tennessee didn’t score a lot against Alabama, but nobody scores against Alabama. The Vols’ offense has gotten rolling at times this year. Kentucky has to be better than it has been in recent weeks.
3. The SEC East is very bad. Can Tennessee win it? We’ll know more after this week.
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