Another Saturday arrives at Kroger Field, and with it comes another chance for Kentucky football to exorcise a demon that has haunted the program for over two years. The Wildcats (2-4, 0-4 SEC) host the Tennessee Volunteers (5-2, 2-2 SEC), desperately needing a win not just for bowl eligibility, but to end a humiliating streak.
A stark, and embarrassing, reality
Kentucky has not won a home game against an SEC opponent since beating Florida in September 2023. That’s nine consecutive conference losses at Kroger Field. Adding salt to the wound, Tennessee has won twice at Kroger Field during that time since their meeting in 2021 (2021 and 2023). If the Vols walk out with another victory on Saturday night, they will have more SEC wins inside Kentucky's stadium since that late season encounter in 2023 than Kentucky does.
Folks, that’s beyond frustrating; it’s embarrassing.
Both teams enter bruised. Tennessee was dismantled 37-20 by Alabama in Tuscaloosa, while Kentucky is reeling from a soul-crushing 16-13 overtime loss to Texas where they dominated statistically but failed to finish because of terrible coaching decisions.
Game info and how to watch
- Matchup: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Kentucky Wildcats
- Venue: Kroger Field – Lexington, KY
- Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
- TV: SEC Network
- Cable/Satellite: ESPN is included in most standard cable and satellite packages. Check your local listings.
- Streaming Services: You can stream the game on services that carry ESPN channels, including: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV (Orange Plan)
- ESPN+: The game may also be available to stream via ESPN's digital platforms for authenticated subscribers.
How to listen
For those who prefer the call from the Voice of the Wildcats, Tom Leach, you can listen on the UK Sports Network.
- Online: Stream live at UKAthletics.com or on iHeartRadio via WLAP 630.
- Local FM/AM Stations:
- Lexington: 98.1 FM / 630 WLAP
- Louisville: 840 AM WHAS
- London: 103.9 FM WWEL
- Hazard/Pikeville: 101.1 WSGS
- Madisonville: 93.9 FM WKTG
Odds and weather
According to FanDuel, Tennessee is a 9.5-point favorite (-110 odds for both teams against the spread). The moneyline sits at Tennessee -345 and Kentucky +265, with the over/under at 53.5 points.
The forecast calls for classic fall football weather: temperatures in the low 60s dipping into the 50s, with a roughly 15% chance of rain showers but minimal wind. A potentially wet field could favor Tennessee's up-tempo offense but might also lead to crucial turnovers for both teams.
Series history
This rivalry dates back to 1893 where the Cats defeated the Vols, but since then it really has been lopsided. Tennessee holds a dominant 84-26-9 lead in the all-time series.
The stakes
Both of these teams are entering the game in need of a win, but for very different reasons. Tennessee can't afford a 3rd loss this early, and Kentucky fans are ready to be done with Mark Stoops.
Can Tennessee bounce back on the road and keep its SEC hopes alive? Or will Kentucky finally break through at home, ending the humiliating streak and provide a desperately needed jolt of hope for Big Blue Nation? Something has to give under the Saturday night lights.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion