The Tennessee Vols own a horrendous win streak against the UK Wildcats. This year, the game shifts back to Knoxville where this year's UK team hopes to become legendary and finally end the humiliation. Historically, UT is one of the more vaunted programs i college football, while Kentucky has only had a few spurts of football success within the last 50 yrs (it could be easily argued that we are in the midst of our most successful run ever.).
The Vols sport a new coach with old SEC blood lines in Derek Dooley, but the team seems to be on a significant downswing for the immediate future. The defense looks weak especially on the D-line and the QB position is definitely in a transition as well. Dooley does inherit 11 starters (5 on offense and 6 on defense), but the talent and depth which historically defined UT is definitely missing.
The transition on the Offensive side of the ball begins at QB where seemingly Matt Sims (son of former NFL Giant QB Phil Sims)looks to be the starter. So far, Matt has had a tough collegiate career and the immediate future does not look bright as well. In addition to a New QB, the team also has several new O-linemen (they could start 2 freshmen and a sophomore)and RBs which have been in the system, but have yet to define their careers. The WR corps looks to be strong, but the question remains as to who will get them the ball.
The Defense is extremely thin at the front 4 positions where they will start what is thought to be under talented players by UT standards. The strength of the team definitely lies in the back 7 which will need to force turnovers and dominate in order to give the defense a chance to get off of the field.
Why UK will win:UK will win because they can run the ball and stop the run. It sounds overly simplistic but true. The O-line at UK should be able to keep the D-linemen of UT at bay, Kentucky shoud come in on at least a 2 game winning streak and well rested (the bye week is the week before the UT game). Look for another SEC slug fest, with the margin of victory no more than 5-7 points by either team.
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