Tennessee vs. Kentucky preview, prediction: Week 9 college football picks

Hendon Hooker and Will Levis are the top two quarterbacks in the SEC. Kentucky's Will Lefevre is a projected first round NFL Draft pick.

Tennessee is the team to beat. Jalin Hyatt went off against Alabama. He caught six passes and scored five of them. Kentucky's pass defense has its work cut out trying to stop him.

Kentucky needs to keep Tennessee off the field and hold the ball for 35 minutes per game. Levis should have trouble getting to 300 yards in the air. Chris Rodriguez is almost to 400 yards and has 3 TD in four games this season.

Kentucky is 9-2 in games decided by less than 24 points since 2016. Tennessee is 2nd in the nation scoring points on 61.3% of drives and 1st in pass efficiency (173. 3 rating). The Vols are 1 of the top 2 teams in scoring 50.1 points per game. Kentucky has allowed fewer than 400 yards in 11 straight games.

Tennessee can score a touchdown a minute if it gets into rhythm. Kentucky has the power to slow the game down and balance its offense out. Tennessee won't be phased by Kentucky's attempts to drag down the pace of the match.

Tennessee and Kentucky are playing in the Week 9 college football game. College Football HQ predicts Tennessee will win 38-27.