Kentucky takes down Tennessee in Knoxville

The Kentucky Wildcats made a big statement Saturday as they took down the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville for a 34-7 victory.

The win moves Kentucky to 2-2 on the season and is their second straight victory, and their first at Neyland Stadium since 1984. It also ties Kentucky’s 27-0 victory over Tennessee in 1935 for their largest ever margin of victory against the Vols.

The game was scoreless after one quarter, but Kentucky’s defense really got the Wildcats going when they recorded pick sixes on back to back drives. First, Kelvin Joseph took an errant Jarrett Guarantano pass where he jumped the route and ran 41 yards untouched. Then, as Tennessee was rolling towards the red zone, Guarantano threw over the middle and Jamin Davis took it 75 yards for what would ultimately be the game-winning touchdown.

Tennessee replaced Guarantano with JT Shrout, who would also throw an interception leading to a Kentucky field goal, putting the Wildcats up 17-0.

Guarantano would return and lead a rush-heavy scoring drive to put Tennessee only 10 points back going into halftime.

The second half was when Kentucky’s offense took over. Terry Wilson found Allen Dailey for a one-yard score early in the third, and Chris Rodriguez added a two-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth.

Tennessee seems to have a bit of a quarterback issue now, as Guarantano’s numbers on the season are now looking very pedestrian.

Kentucky’s defense is suddenly looking like one of the SEC’s best, as the Wildcats will look to keep it rolling next week against Missouri.

Tennessee will look to get back on track next week as they host Alabama.