Game Day Primer / Sat, Oct 24
AWAY TEAM
3–4
HOME TEAM
6–1
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01 / Why this game matters
No. 12 Kentucky has won five straight, including consecutive 35-34 finishes before beating Oklahoma. Vanderbilt has lost four straight SEC games, but Kentucky’s close results are a reminder that its winning run has needed more than a comfortable scoring margin.
02 / Know these people
Junior Sherrill / Vanderbilt wide receiver
Vanderbilt · Wide Receiver (WR)
His 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns give Vanderbilt a way to create scoring chances through the air. Kentucky allows 249.7 passing yards per game.
Kenny Minchey / Kentucky quarterback
Kentucky · Quarterback (QB)
He has 13 touchdown passes and just one interception. Keeping that care with the ball would help Kentucky avoid giving an opponent extra chances in another close game.
03 / Watch for this
Watch Vanderbilt receiver when a pass reaches him beyond the first-down marker. Securing those catches would let Vanderbilt advance without repeatedly testing Kentucky on short-yardage plays.
04 / Sound smart
Kentucky won two straight games 35-34 before beating Oklahoma 21-13. The winning streak has involved more than one style of game.
The central storyline
No. 12 Kentucky has won five straight, including consecutive 35-34 finishes before beating Oklahoma. Vanderbilt has lost four straight SEC games, but Kentucky’s close results are a reminder that its winning run has needed more than a comfortable scoring margin.
A read on both sides
Vanderbilt
Team vibe
Vanderbilt is 3-4 after winning its first three and then losing four conference games. Its offense averages 354.3 yards and 23.6 points, while the defense allows 29.7 points. The most recent 31-21 Arkansas loss was closer than defeats to Georgia and Ole Miss, but did not change the run of results.
Kentucky
Team vibe
Kentucky is 6-1 and 4-1 in the SEC. It averages 387.9 yards and 32.7 points while allowing 377 yards and 25.9 points. After a 45-17 Alabama loss, the Wildcats have won five straight, including two one-point games and a lower-scoring 21-13 win over Oklahoma.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Watch Kentucky running back CJ Baxter on carries close to the end zone.
If you see it: If he gets across the goal line, Kentucky has finished the possession with a touchdown.
Here's what it means: Converting those opportunities helps avoid another game decided by a single point.
On screen
Look for: Watch Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis when a pass play leaves no clear target.
If you see it: If he throws the ball away instead of into a crowd, Vanderbilt keeps the possession from ending in an interception.
Here's what it means: The Commodores retain another chance to use their productive receiving game.
The central storyline
No. 12 Kentucky has won five straight, including consecutive 35-34 finishes before beating Oklahoma. Vanderbilt has lost four straight SEC games, but Kentucky’s close results are a reminder that its winning run has needed more than a comfortable scoring margin.
A read on both sides
Vanderbilt
Team vibe
Vanderbilt is 3-4 after winning its first three and then losing four conference games. Its offense averages 354.3 yards and 23.6 points, while the defense allows 29.7 points. The most recent 31-21 Arkansas loss was closer than defeats to Georgia and Ole Miss, but did not change the run of results.
Kentucky
Team vibe
Kentucky is 6-1 and 4-1 in the SEC. It averages 387.9 yards and 32.7 points while allowing 377 yards and 25.9 points. After a 45-17 Alabama loss, the Wildcats have won five straight, including two one-point games and a lower-scoring 21-13 win over Oklahoma.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Watch Kentucky running back CJ Baxter on carries close to the end zone.
If you see it: If he gets across the goal line, Kentucky has finished the possession with a touchdown.
Here's what it means: Converting those opportunities helps avoid another game decided by a single point.
On screen
Look for: Watch Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis when a pass play leaves no clear target.
If you see it: If he throws the ball away instead of into a crowd, Vanderbilt keeps the possession from ending in an interception.
Here's what it means: The Commodores retain another chance to use their productive receiving game.
Players & Coaches
Players & Coaches
Vanderbilt · Wide Receiver (WR)
His 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns give Vanderbilt a way to create scoring chances through the air. Kentucky allows 249.7 passing yards per game.
Players & Coaches
Kentucky · Quarterback (QB)
He has 13 touchdown passes and just one interception. Keeping that care with the ball would help Kentucky avoid giving an opponent extra chances in another close game.
The Stakes
Kentucky can keep a five-game run going; Vanderbilt can earn its first conference win by interrupting it.
Why it matters
Vanderbilt needs to protect enough possessions for its passing production to become points. Its current losing streak has included both close and heavy defeats.
Why it matters
Kentucky’s improved defensive result against Oklahoma faces an offense with a productive lead receiver. Another strong showing would reinforce that improvement.
History & Context
History & Context
Kentucky has designated this game a Blue Out at Kroger Field. The crowd’s color is part of the official game-day plan as the Wildcats try to extend a five-game winning streak.
Conversation Starters
Conversation Starters
“Kentucky won two in a row by one point. ’s one interception all season feels especially useful in games like that.”