Tennessee 28-18 Kentucky (November 2, 2024) Game Recap

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Dylan Sampson rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 7 Tennessee to a 28-18 victory over Kentucky on Saturday night.

Tight end Miles Kitselman caught six passes for 97 yards and a touchdown for the Volunteers (7-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) as they kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

The Wildcats (3-5, 1-6) lost their fourth straight game after five starters were sidelined due to injuries. Receiver Barion Brown and quarterback Brock Vandagriff were also injured during the game.

After trailing 10-7 at halftime, Kitselman and Sampson scored in the third quarter to give Tennessee a 21-10 lead. Gavin Wimsatt replaced Vandagriff, who retired after a hard hit from James Pearce and threw an interception on his first series. On his second series, Wimsatt hit Ja'Mori Maclin for a 32-yard touchdown, cutting the score to 21-18.

Sampson extended the lead to 28-18 when he was carried off a scrum and scored for a 6-yard score.

Jamarion Wilcox rushed for 102 yards, including a 50-yarder on the first snap of the game.

Tennessee scored for the first time in four games in the first half when Peyton Lewis scored from three yards out. The Vols missed two field goals, dropped a pass in the end zone and fumbled at the Wildcat 22.

The takeaway food

Kentucky: If the Wildcats intend to play in a bowl game this season, they must win the three remaining games on their schedule. They have now lost four games in a row and need to make their health a priority.

Tennessee: Vols coach Josh Heupel continually reminds his players to “stay in the moment” and not look forward to a Nov. 16 showdown with Georgia. For this to be a decisive game, Tennessee will have to take care of business next week against Mississippi State: There is no margin for error when it comes to a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Impact on the survey

There's a slim chance Tennessee advances after No. 3 Penn State lost to No. 4 Ohio State.

Next

The Wildcats host Murray State on Nov. 16, while the Vols play their fourth straight home game against Mississippi State on Saturday.

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