LEXINGTON, Ky- It was just one of those days for Kentucky. The offense was nonexistent, the special teams couldn’t put the ball through the uprights on either of the two field goal attempts, and UK’s defense allowed 412 yards of total offense in a 24-7 loss to Tennessee.
The loss made it 17 straight in Neyland Stadium for Kentucky and gave the Volunteers their first home SEC win since 2016.
Jarrett Guarantano completed 12-20 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, which included a 39 yard TD jump ball to Marquez Callaway as time expired in the first half.
Tennessee was balanced offensively, adding in over 200 yards rushing which included multiple explosive plays.
Meanwhile, Kentucky could just never get it going. The Wildcat offense tallied only 77 yards rushing, and didn’t start heating up through the air until late.
Tennessee turned the ball over to Kentucky a few times late in the game, but Kentucky failed to capitalize, giving it back to the Vols with no points both times.
The loss is a demoralizing one for Kentucky, eliminating just about any chance at a New Year’s Six Bowl Game, and giving the Cats back-to-back losses for the first time this season.
Kentucky will look to finish off the season strong with a home matchup against Middle Tennessee State next weekend. UK finishes their season with a road trip to Louisville.
