Following six straight games versus SEC opponents, the Kentucky football team steps outside league play on Saturday. In addition, it’s the final home game of the 2025 campaign. While Mark Stoops’ club is hosting an FCS foe, it may not be as easy as it seems on paper. Let’s preview both teams and make some predictions, as Kentucky can’t overlook Tennessee Tech.
A Top FCS Club Rolls In
Putting It All Together
Although there have been some definite struggles, the Wildcats have shown great improvement over the last few weeks. Since the tough overtime loss to Texas, UK first broke the streak of not scoring more than two touchdowns in the loss to Tennessee. Since then, they secured their first SEC win in over a year, winning at Auburn. Lastly, that was followed by their first SEC home win in two years, a dominating victory over Florida.
A big part of the success is the play of Cutter Boley. Over the last three games, Boley’s thrown for eight touchdowns and has been the SEC Freshman of the Week two weeks running. Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has opened up the attack quite a bit recently, and the results are showing.
As far as the defense goes, they’ve played well most of the season. However, in the last two games, they’ve really stepped up. In fact, they held Auburn and Florida to a combined 10 points. That’s pretty impressive, especially in the SEC.
However, the Wildcats received some tough news on Monday when it was announced that two starters would be out for the rest of the year. Safety Jordan Lovett and EGDE rusher Sam Greene suffered injuries that will require surgery. It’s the next man up mentality, and they’re facing a great offense. That is why Kentucky can’t overlook Tennessee Tech.
Scouting The Golden Eagles
Under coach Bobby Wilder, the Golden Eagles are currently 10-0 on the year and 7-0 in the OVC-Big South. Tech was fifth in the most recent FCS top 25 poll.
The Golden Eagles score points, and a lot of them. Currently, they lead the nation, averaging 45.2 points a game. In fact, they’ve scored over 40 points six times this season, gone over 60 twice, and rang up 72 against Davidson.
Quarterback Kekoa Visperas leads a high-powered offense. So far, he’s thrown for 2,120 yards and 22 touchdowns on only four interceptions. In addition, he’s rushed for another 440 yards and three scores.
His favorite target is Noah Robinson, who has 31 receptions for 473 yards and six touchdowns. Quintell Quinn leads the rushing attack with 655 yards and nine touchdowns. Q’Daryius Jennings has 489 yards and 10 scores.
While most of the focus is on Tech’s offense, the defense has been good too. They rank fourth in FCS, allowing 15.4 points a game. Lineman Theron Gaines and linebacker Aaron Swafford have 63 tackles each. In addition, Tech has five defensive touchdowns.
Now that we’ve shown you why Kentucky can’t overlook Tennessee Tech, let’s take a look at the brief history of the two schools.
Last Time They Met
Kentucky and Tennessee Tech have only played once. You have to go all the way back to 1951 when they met in Lexington. Under coach Bear Bryant, the sixth-ranked Wildcats had no trouble winning 72-13. Babe Parilli threw for 165 yards and two touchdowns.
The Golden Eagles are 2-38 all-time against FBS opponents. Last season, they played at Georgia, losing 48-3. Stoops is 11-0 all-time against FCS schools.
We’ve previewed both teams and given you some history. Now it’s prediction time as Kentucky can’t overlook Tennessee Tech.
Who Wins On Saturday?
As the title suggests, with Vanderbilt and Louisville on the way, the Cats can’t get caught looking ahead. Tennessee Tech is on a roll, to say the least. Going back to the end of 2024, they’ve won 15 straight, the longest in FCS football. They love to force turnovers, and UK has to hold onto the ball.
The Wildcats’ two-game win streak has not only cooled Stoops’ seat but also put them in contention for a bowl game. Right now, Last Word has UK just out of a bowl. However, that can change quickly.
Quite simply, Kentucky must win this game, and they will. Look for Tech to hang around for an uncomfortable amount of time before the Cats pull away.
Kentucky 41-20
How To Watch
Opponent: Tennessee Tech
Date and Time: Saturday November 15th 1:30pm EST
Location: Kroger Field Lexington, Kentucky (Capacity 61,000)
Television: SEC Network +
Spread: Kentucky is a 20.5 point favorite with the over/under at 52.5
Main Photo: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
