Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs Kentucky Wildcats
- When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, 7 p.m.
- Where: Commonwealth Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
Kentucky stat box
The stakes aren't all or nothing.
Tennessee can likely make plans for the Outback Bowl with a victory, but it will be back in the postseason regardless.
It can extend an absurdly long run of dominance against Kentucky, but a rare loss to the Wildcats wouldn't ruin the season.
Either team could claim second place in the SEC East if they win, but there's also not far for them to fall if they don't today at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky. (TV: ESPNU, 7 p.m.). There might be any number of things on the line for the Vols, but perhaps since there doesn't seem to be a big difference among any outcomes, it hasn't been difficult to adopt a simpler approach.
"It's the next game on our schedule, and we want to win it," UT coach Lane Kiffin said. "It's a big-time SEC game for us.
"Sorry to say, but (outside stuff) has nothing to do with it."
Bowl implications, road difficulties or win streaks might not make much of a difference on the field, but the Vols are certainly aware of everything a win would mean for the program - big or small.
It would put them in line for a trip to a more prestigious postseason destination, likely in a warmer part of the country or at least in another state.
The Vols (6-5, 3-4 SEC) have played well in a couple games away from home, but they were embarrassed two weeks ago at Ole Miss and still haven't given Kiffin his first road victory.
And though Kiffin has downplayed the value of UT's 24 consecutive victories against Kentucky (7-4, 3-4), a few players have admitted not wanting to be part of the team that finally snaps the string.
"Of course we know about it," defensive tackle Wes Brown said. "We know Tennessee history, the rivalry and everything else, and we want to keep that going obviously.
"But we just have to go up there and take care of ourselves, take care of Tennessee and everything will take care of itself. If we get too caught up in streaks or whatever else, that will really end up biting us."
UT's plate already has enough on it dealing with a confident team coming off an impressive win at Georgia, it's fifth victory in the last six games.
Kentucky poses all sorts of problems with a versatile offense, do-it-all playmaker Randall Cobb running the Wildcat package and a defense that has proved it can hold its own. About the only thing the Wildcats don't have on their side is history, but even that hasn't given them much trouble this year.
"This is not the old Kentucky team, you guys know that," Kiffin said. "Talk about streaks, what, 34 years since they've gone down to Georgia and won? This is a different Kentucky team.
"The history of this series means nothing to this game. I'm sorry, it doesn't. Those players that were playing during that streak aren't here anymore. We're playing a team that their seniors have won just as many as our seniors. We're playing a team that their seniors have been to more bowl games than our seniors. We'd love to keep it (the streak) alive, but only because it's the next game."
A win would certainly make the next one after that more appealing though, and perhaps a bit warmer.
But the Vols are doing all they can do not to worry about that, either.
"I mean, I don't think we can really look into it right now," offensive guard Jacques McClendon said. "We're lucky to be bowl eligible, we got our sixth win, but we're really playing for something else this week. If we win this game we finish second in the East, and that's a big deal. Preseason predictions were that we weren't even going to finish in the top-half. To come out and try to be able to compete for second in the East, it's still a big deal.
"But I don't think people are worried too much about that. We've just got to take care of Kentucky. That (other stuff) comes with beating Kentucky. We're focused on going into this game and playing hard."
Game plans don't get much simpler than that.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 45
CatScratchFever writes:
OOOOOOOOOO C-A-T-S, Cats, Cats, Cats!!!!
Go Big Blue!
Plasticman writes:
Twenty-Five, 25, 22222225555555 in a row.....
Keep the streak going....
orangekoolaid2 writes:
Not much of an article. UT sounds confussed about the nature of this game.
lomas98 writes:
Speaking of streaks, what is the record recently wearing orange pants. SC was a win with black jerseys and orange pants, but going back to the SECCG in 07 they have lost every game in orange pants.
bobbytodd writes:
Confussed? Is that a head injury?
orangepridenation writes:
How does Tennessee sound confused? This isn't the same old Kentucky team, they're actually playing great ball right now. And they're right, streaks don't mean squat right now. The players and coaches simply want to go out and get a win against an SEC opponent, take 2nd in the east, and go to a decent bowl game. There's not much to be confused about there. So what if we do lose? okay, we lost. The streak's not going to go forever, and everyone knows that. but it won't be the end of the world, and thats exactly what you'll be reading on this site all next week if the vols do happen to lose. Lets face it, we're not a "great" team right now. In fact, right now, we're on the same plane as kentucky. Only difference is, they have a better record. strange, isn't it. that if we lose to a team with a better record than us, then it will still be considered an upset. Well, i believe we'll win this game, simply because of Kentucky's porous run defense. but i do know that if we lose, that vol fans will overreact, and we'll get nothing but whining on this site until the bowl game.
orangepridenation writes:
thats just supersticious nonsense, the reason the vols lost those games was because we simply lost the game. I don't think pants have anything to do with that. Especially the ones we lost this year, Florida, Bama, and Ole Miss. We played three great teams, that's why we lost. Not pants. In fact, i think we look better with the white jersey-orange pants combo rather than all white. With your logic, maybe since we're 1-0 wearing black jerseys, then we should wear them all the time and we'll never lose!!! HAHA, supersticious nonsense, some people on here get entirely too bored.
TommyJack writes:
Beware of the pants!!
tennezz writes:
Win or lose, I`ve had more fun this year than ever before. This is a great time to be a Vol fan...With our rebuilding effort and the recruiting...Our last home game this year holds memories I will never forget...Wes Brown`s pick-six run with the defender wrapped around his waist and Kiffin`s pancake of JC.
Gator_Hater writes:
So what are you doing here?
Sad.
thevoice writes:
Something smells fishy about Berry. I think he's coming back.
volpreacher writes:
did you guys see Saban saying the reason their game with Auburn was close is because they were tired. Have we not heard that one before?????
tweetdriver63#346474 writes:
I think the Vols will win. The recent history of this rivalry shows that Kentucky's best teams haven't (so far) been able to beat our worst (see 2008). That aside, it's more important just to see this as another regular-season SEC game. I say, where streaks are concerned, how about we just end CLK's streak of road losses?
BTW, if we have to eventually lose to the Wildpussies, wouldn't it be better to do it in a relatively insignificant season (as far as overall records are concerned), and on the road, rather than have them come into Neyland and upset us at home during a good season????
Just sayin'
1974Vol writes:
Can't remember last time I was this jazzed over a Kentucky game. Hope the team feels same way. Cobb will make some plays and Cats will score on our beat up D. Cats will load box and force us to throw. If Crompton has big night and I think he does we win in a minor shoot out 35-23. Cats move ball well between 20's but Monty makes 'em kick at FG's in red zone. Would be sweet to see Berry break INT record on a huge pick 6.
1974Vol writes:
Don't get to choose those kinds of things and despite "coach speak" coming from Kiffin this game is big. 2nd place east, Florida Bowl Game, keeping the streak alive, getting this teams first road win, flipping the record from last year. This is a big game, for both teams.
RJ_Vol writes:
If we lose, the Cats will only have to wait until 2033 for their next win. Go Vols!
amstelman writes:
Yes, this game is BIG. It's never a good year to lose the last one.
orangepridenation writes:
hey, does anybody know where i can catch the game? sadly i have cable, and ofcourse I don't have ESPNU. So any websites, what about channelsurfing.net? and forget radio.
orangepridenation writes:
as much as i'd love to agree.....keep dreaming bro.
orangepridenation writes:
Okay, so go back to the basketball boards and leave the true sports fans alone.
VolGrad writes:
Wildcats take a lead into the half: 17 - 10, but lose the game 20 - 38.
Go Vols!!!
blue916 writes:
you can catch the game on http://www.justin.tv/funchester
You may not like the background but you can watch the game here. Good luck tonight and it is amazing that UK fans are still interested in football this time of year.
volsrock54 writes:
You had Cobb last year and we smacked your a@@ and you have him this year and we are gonna smack your a@@ again.. Go Vols!
BobKeslingSux writes:
I'd suggest radio. Bob does an excellent job of painting a picture in your head of all aspects of the game. I truly think he is a genius and the best play-by-play man in the country. I'd definitely choose radio. It'll be like actually watching the game on tv. I'm going to turn my tv off and watch Bob. Checkerboard!!!
Ringside writes:
When did you become deaf?
pvvol writes:
Try http://www.rajangan.net/ I watched there last week.
pvvol writes:
Read his screen name.....sarcasm
gslaton#227127 writes:
I agree that it's superstitious nonsense. It's ridiculous to think it's the orange pants. It's obviously because I didn't sit in my big orange chair for those games!
yeavols#228407 writes:
Hey Orangepride, you can google Yahoo Sports Broadcasts and their web site should show up first on the list. Then scroll down to the link that has the KY TN game. It's the radio broadcast. Ive listened that way before when I couldn't get the game on TV. Hope that helps.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Interlopers still going on?? Surprised that you still really care at this point. If anything is irrelevant, it's your being here displaying your natural talent of ignorance and dry sarcasm. When you feel the urge to come to the site and post your "irrelevant" garbage, just remember we probably don't care what you think. By the way, LEARN HOW TO SPELL ANY WORD THAT HAS MORE THAN 4 LETTERS IN IT. I'ts IRRELEVANT. There is no "e" at the end.
Ringside writes:
understand, so was mine. I know its a pain, but you may find it at a local sports bar.
GBO
lomas98 writes:
It's called sarcasm. You guys take things way too serious.
TommyJack writes:
Constant carping about Kessling serves no purpose. He's here and not going anywhere. Besides, he's improved slightly. Get over it.
Sheesh.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
You can sense Berry's frustration;especially if you watch him at the end of a play; His value with Monte is in run defense but he still has to play WR coverage when it's there. Iam not sure if he can't wait to get out of here or if he thinks he has unfinished business
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
By the way it appears Joe Haden maybe ahead of Berry in the draft
volfirst writes:
Very good. By the way, Ky scored more points on Bama (20) than anyone until last night. So much for that. GO VOLS
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
It will come down to special teams again tonight. We have to be able to make field goals, and take care of the ball on punts, returns, ect. Our run game can control the clock, but Ky can strike quickly. A early pick six by Berry would be nice, but I don't expect them to throw his way. Hard to call, UT is a 3 point favorite, and those guys in Vegas didn't get rich by being stupid. UT 34 Ky 28.
GO VOLS!!!
Vol_in_Mich writes:
At least they're not orange . . . . . jorts!
GO VOLS!!!
UKStreakIsOver writes:
Hey orangepridenation - got the same situation myself. You want to go to justin.tv to watch it. Take the Sports link and then choose an option that has the highest number of viewers listed. Usually popularity will tell which are the fastest and most reliable.
Okay - enough with the SEC goodwill. GO BLUE - END THE STREAK!
heisthelord367 writes:
justin.tv search for college football or just type in tennessee kentucky and you should find it...happy viewing my friend...
blue916 writes:
http://www.justin.tv/funchester
seventysevenvol writes:
Kentucky has had the better team on the day they've played UT over the past 24 years on ocassion- problem is mental; they see orange and tighten up...most recently in 2007, and in 2005. Tonight shouldn't produce any different results. Kentucky sees orange, tightens up, UT feeds Hardesty over and over and wins by two TD's. Any doubters?
asleep#212036 writes:
I live in Alabama and I can tell you that most Bama fans know why the game was close and why their chances at winning it all are somewhat more dim than the national media would have you think. McElroy is average on a good day and that's the problem. When you stop Ingram, like we did, and Auburn did, and Florida certainly will, it falls on the qb and they don't have one who can carry the team. They have played nobody this year with an explosive offense until yesterday and look what happened. And against the 9th worst defense in the conference they stalled out twice inside the 20, getting only 6 points. This is NOT 1992 Bama with Barker at qb - he was a leader and carried the team through several games when needed. If McElroy plays like he did Saturday against Florida or Texas, they will lose, period. We'll see. I love the SEC but I would sure hate to listen to the trash if the Tide wins it all.
BTW, I think we beat Kentucky with Hardesty having a fantastic day and JJ and Thompson shoring up the D. Go Vols!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
The did, and do, get rich by playing on the emotions of bettors. That spread just means that's what it took to make the money even. The folks that set the spread are good at predicting people, not football. I doubt if many pundits think we should be favored in Lexington over this Kentucky team. Yeah, there's the streak but that won't put a single point on the board. I think we'll win but not because of the streak. Their run defense is weak and our defense is back to mid-season health. If Kiffin doesn't get too caught up in getting JC some numbers and if the D just controls Cobb/Locke, we are Outback bound. Either way, I love the direction of the program and am looking forward to the future more than I have in a long time. Go Vols!!!
orangeluvr writes:
This season has had it's surprises and disappointments . what a roller coaster ride.
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