No. 8 Kentucky (7-1) travels to Knoxville to face Tennessee (6-2) at Neyland Stadium in a rivalry that has been dominated by the Volunteers, who have won 17 of the last 20 meetings. The Wildcats enter as a College Football Playoff contender, while Tennessee aims to stay in the playoff conversation. Here are four bold predictions for the Week 9 SEC matchup.
Kentucky Running Backs Held Under 100 Combined Yards
Tennessee defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam has recorded 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks this season. His interior presence is expected to disrupt Kentucky's rushing attack, which ranks 57th nationally at 161.6 yards per game and 42nd in yards per carry (4.6). Gilliam will challenge Wildcats guard Olaus Alinen and center Coleton Price, limiting Jason Patterson, CJ Baxter and Jovantae Barnes to under 100 combined rushing yards.
George MacIntyre Sacked Twice, Commits Turnover
Volunteers quarterback George MacIntyre, assumed to start in Week 9, is 3-1 this season but has thrown three interceptions against Arkansas and Alabama and averaged just 6.1 yards per attempt in his last two starts. Facing a Kentucky defense with an 8.94% sack rate over its last three games and ranking third nationally in takeaways per game (2.4), MacIntyre is predicted to take multiple sacks and either fumble or throw an interception.
DeSean Bishop Gains 90+ Yards but Averages Under 4.0 Yards per Carry
Tennessee runs on 60.52% of its offensive plays. Kentucky allows 121 rushing yards per game (31st) and 3.7 yards per carry (39th). While quarterbacks have gashed the Wildcats on the ground, MacIntyre is not a running threat, making All-SEC back DeSean Bishop the focal point. Bishop is projected to exceed 90 rushing yards but be held under 4.0 yards per carry for the third time this season.
Faizon Brandon Enters in Second Half, Sparks Tennessee Victory
With Tennessee's offense inconsistent and MacIntyre struggling, coach Josh Heupel is expected to turn to true freshman Faizon Brandon (6-foot-4) in the second half. Brandon's athleticism could provide a wrinkle Kentucky hasn't prepared for, reigniting the Volunteers' offense and leading to a win that sparks a new quarterback controversy.
