The Vols have only lost to Kentucky one time in the last three decades. All in all, Tennessee has largely dominated the Wildcats in their annual series, with the Vols holding a 79-24-9 record over Kentucky since the two teams first met back in 1893.
But this year’s teams are in a rare situation. Kentucky has a better overall record (5-2) than the Vols (3-4) ahead of their match-up this weekend, and Vegas likes the Wildcats’ chances of defeating Tennessee for the first time since 2011.
According to VegasInsider.com, Kentucky opens up as a 5.5 point favorite over Tennessee. The Vols will travel to Lexington this upcoming weekend for a 7:30 PM Eastern kickoff with the Wildcats, and Tennessee will be nearly a touchdown underdog in the game.
Tennessee is currently on a 3-game losing streak and has lost four of their last five games. The Vols are still winless in SEC play and have been outscored 127 to 36 in four conference games this season. Kentucky, meanwhile, is 2-2 in SEC play and has beaten both South Carolina and Missouri in conference.
Both teams are coming off 45-7 losses this past weekend. The Vols were throttled by No. 1 Alabama and held to just 108 yards of offense while Kentucky was beaten down by Mississippi State and held to 260 yards of offense.
Kentucky’s 10-7 win over the Vols in 2011 was their first victory over Tennessee since 1984, and only five of the Wildcats’ 24 wins against the Vols have come since 1965.
The Vols have dominated their series with Kentucky over the last half century. But Kentucky appears to be the better team on paper this season, and the odds makers in Vegas seem to agree.
