Kentucky vs Tennessee Prediction, Player Props & SEC Odds (Nov. 7)

• Tennessee’s 96.3% red-zone rate and 35 sacks set the tone at Neyland Stadium
• Kentucky counters with a +13 turnover differential and 12 interceptions
• Read below for my Kentucky vs Tennessee prediction, top player prop and SEC odds

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No. 13 Tennessee (6-2) hosts No. 6 Kentucky (7-1) on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6:15 PM ET on ESPN from Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Kentucky arrives off a decisive 34-17 win over Vanderbilt that bolstered its College Football Playoff resume, while Tennessee is in a bounce-back spot after a narrow 27-24 loss to South Carolina.

In terms of CFP probabilities, Kentucky can likely sustain one loss in its last four games and still make the CFP. Tennessee might be out after a loss in any of its final four games, especially with upcoming games against Texas A&M and Vanderbilt – the SEC’s doldrums. That said, both teams are alive in SEC play, so these rivals still have everything to play for.

Let’s take a look at my Kentucky vs. Tennessee prediction and a player prop to lock in as well.

Kentucky vs Tennessee Prediction

Both offenses are practically deadlocked: Kentucky averages 32.4 points per game to Tennessee’s 32.3. The hosts hold the situational edges. Tennessee converts 96.3% of red-zone trips (26 of 27), while Kentucky sits at 81.6%.

Tennessee also has the more imposing pass rush, with 35.0 sacks to Kentucky’s 21.0. My value window on Tennessee was 55¢ to 58¢, so at 66¢ the Vols are my prediction, not a buy at the current price.

Despite Kentucky having the superior record, Tennessee is a sturdy favorite. Tennessee has only lost once at home this season, falling to then-No. 1 Texas. Kentucky is undefeated on the road, beating Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.

Kentucky vs Tennessee Stats Comparison

Tennessee wins the red-zone and pass-rush columns. Kentucky’s ball security is the equalizer.

The player to watch on defense is Tennessee’s Xavier Gilliam. Perhaps the player who has improved his draft stock the most in 2026, Gilliam has 6.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss this season. The interior defensive lineman has also forced a pair of fumbles and swatted two passes.

Kentucky, meanwhile, leans more into taking the football away. Jordan Castell and Ty Bryant have four interceptions each, tied for the SEC lead. Castell and Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace have a pick-six this season.

Totals Lean: Over

These offenses combine for 64.7 points per game on average. Tennessee generates 394.5 yards per game behind 1,704 rushing yards, while Kentucky produces 386.4 yards per contest led by 1,755 passing yards. Polymarket listed Over 49.5 at 49¢ overnight.

I expect a score in the realm of Tennessee 31, Kentucky 24.

Kentucky’s Turnover Superiority

Twelve interceptions and six fumble recoveries give Kentucky 18 takeaways, while Tennessee has given it away 11 times. That discipline keeps Kentucky a dangerous side to fade. Offensively, Kentucky only has turned the ball over five times, a major reason why the Wildcats are tied for the top spot in SEC standings.

Kentucky vs Tennessee Player Props

Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop is the focal point of a rushing attack that has piled up 1,704 yards. With Kentucky already at 12 interceptions, I expect the Vols to lean heavily on the ground game.

Bishop should surpass 1,000 rushing yards on the season today. He already has 11 rushing touchdowns, and he would be a perfectly reasonable option for SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He has four consecutive games with 120 rushing yards and a touchdown.

His line of 129.5 yards is daunting, but Bishop has surpassed it four times, including three times in SEC play. Bishop maced out with a preposterous 220 yards in Tennessee’s win over Auburn.

Claim your bet365 bonus now to back Bishop.

• Pick: DeSean Bishop Over 129.5 Rushing Yards (-120 at bet365)

Kentucky vs Tennessee SEC Odds

Compare prices across the best college football betting apps before kickoff.