Lexington, Kentucky, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up to take on the struggling Kentucky Wildcats in a crucial SEC match at Kroger Field. Scheduled for 4:45 p.m. MST, Tennessee enters as a 9.5-point favorite, looking to extend their winning streak against a Kentucky team that has yet to win an SEC game this season. The matchup features high expectations for scoring, with an over/under of 54.5 points. Kentucky aims to turn their fortunes around, but the Volunteers have dominated their recent encounters.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Tennessee Volunteers will face off against the struggling Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Kroger Field in Lexington. Scheduled to kick off at 4:45 p.m. MST, this matchup is part of the college football Week 9 schedule and will be broadcast on the SEC Network. Tennessee enters the contest as a 9.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, with the Volunteers holding a moneyline of -350 and Kentucky sitting at +270. The game has an over/under set at 54.5 points, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
Predictions heavily favor Tennessee, with one model estimating a 69% win probability for the Volunteers compared to a 31% probability for Kentucky. This is a stark contrast to Kentucky’s current form, which has them struggling significantly in SEC play. With a mere 24.9% chance of victory based on predictive formulas, Kentucky has not managed to win any of their four SEC games so far this season, making their situation dire.
The Volunteers have been showcasing strong performances this season, averaging 511 yards and 44.1 points per game, which puts them considerably ahead of the Wildcats’ offensive output. Kentucky’s offense has been disappointing, managing to score only an average of 18.3 points per game in SEC matchups. Their past three games have seen them fail to exceed 22 points, raising concerns about their ability to challenge Tennessee effectively.
In their recent history, Tennessee has been successful against Kentucky, winning 7 of their last 10 meetings against SEC teams, while specifically dominating the Wildcats in their recent encounters at Kentucky, where they have won by an average of 4.3 points. The expected score based on current betting lines suggests Tennessee could win comfortably with a projected score of 31 to 22.
For Kentucky, the performances of players like quarterback Cutter Boley and running back Seth McGowan will be crucial. Boley has recorded four touchdowns along with equal interceptions, while McGowan leads the team in rushing with 476 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Wildcats’ defensive tackle Tavion Gadson is noted as their highest graded defensive player this season, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Despite their challenges, Kentucky seeks to improve, specifically targeting enhancements to their offensive line and rushing game, which currently ranks 11th in the SEC. Coach of the Volunteers underscored the importance of learning from past losses and maintaining focus, especially in this rivalry game.
With 72% of bets favoring Tennessee to win and cover the spread, compared to 28% backing Kentucky for a potential upset, the dynamics of this SEC showdown indicate a series of challenges ahead for the Wildcats as they attempt to turn their season around.
Key Matchup Statistics
- Tennessee Volunteers
- Averages: 511 yards, 44.1 points per game
- Last 10 games against SEC teams: 7 wins
- Recent performance: 14-4 against the spread in last 18 matchups against Kentucky
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Current SEC record: 0 wins, 4 losses
- Averages: 18.3 points per game in SEC play
- Rank in scoring offense: 103rd in the country
FAQ
What time does the Tennessee vs. Kentucky game start?
The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:45 p.m. MST on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Where can I watch the Tennessee vs. Kentucky game?
The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
What are the betting odds for the game?
Tennessee is favored by 9.5 points, with moneyline odds of -350 for Tennessee and +270 for Kentucky.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Tennessee Volunteers | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Current Record in SEC | 4 Wins, 0 Losses | 0 Wins, 4 Losses |
| Average Points per Game | 44.1 | 18.3 |
| Recent Meeting Average Score | +4.3 (Tennessee Win) | – |
| Win Probability | 69% | 31% |
| Betting Line | -9.5 Points Favorite | +9.5 Points Underdog |
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Additional Resources
- Arizona Central
- Sports Illustrated
- Knox News
- Rocky Top Insider
- Tennessean
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers Football
- Google Search: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Google Scholar: Tennessee Volunteers Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Kentucky Tennessee Football
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