The Lexington Herald-Leader's Jon Hale Previews Kentucky's Trip To Tennessee

No. 19 Kentucky is coming off a bye week and is looking for a marquee win against third-ranked Tennessee. Jon Hale is the football beat writer for The Lexington Herald-Leader.

Kentucky is playing in the SEC East this week. The team was ranked in preseason AP poll and was picked to finish second in East. Will Levis is a likely first-round pick in NFL draft. Kentucky needs to upset Tennessee and Georgia to stay in SEC race.   The loss at Ole Miss was frustrating. Beating Mississippi State restored some momentum.

Kentucky's offensive line played well against Mississippi State. Chris Rodriguez and Levis played together for the first time this season. Kentucky's offense has struggled to run the ball earlier in the season, but Rodriguez's return has helped.

Leeson dislocated his finger at Ole Miss, injured his foot at South Carolina and hurt his shoulder at Mississippi State. Kentucky's offensive line struggles have to be taken into account. Levis is still turnover prone. Kentucky ranks 125th nationally in sacks allowed per game.

Kentucky's defense is playing a style that tries to take away big plays. The team is ranked 19th in the nation in fewest plays of at least 20 yards allowed. It surrendered just 10 points in second half against Florida, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

Kentucky is going to Tennessee. Tennessee's passing defense ranks 130th of 131 in passing yards allowed per game. Kentucky has the talent at quarterback and wide receiver to take advantage of Tennessee’s defense.

Kentucky is coming off a bye and Tennessee is looking ahead to Georgia. I think it's closer than expected, but I can't pick against Tennessee right now.