Tennessee vs. Kentucky Short Report | Oct 28, 2023
Kroger Field
Lexington, KY
Oct 28, 2023
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Game Recap
The Tennessee Volunteers ended their four-game true road game losing streak with a thrilling 33-27 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats. Tennessee demonstrated a balanced offensive attack, racking up 481 total yards and converting key defensive stops to secure the win. Jaylen Wright wasted no time, setting the tone with a 52-yard rushing touchdown early in the first quarter. Head Coach Josh Heupel praised the team, saying, “Proud of the fight and competitive nature of the football team.”
Kentucky's Devin Leary put up a valiant effort, throwing for a season-high 372 yards and two touchdowns. Despite this, Tennessee's Charles Campbell played a crucial role, converting all four of his field goal attempts. The Volunteers’ defense held the SEC’s second-leading rusher, Ray Davis, to just 42 yards on 16 carries. Heupel commented, “We played for four quarters. Played hard and physical. We talked about having to win the fourth quarter and won the fourth quarter tonight.”
Key Plays:
Jaylen Wright (Tennessee Volunteers)
In a blazing start, Jaylen Wright broke through four tackles and sprinted for a 52-yard touchdown run, setting the early tone and giving the Volunteers a swift 7-0 lead.
Charles Campbell (Tennessee Volunteers)
Campbell converted a 44-yard field goal after a promising drive was stymied by a Tennessee penalty, extending their lead to 10-0.
Barion Brown (Kentucky Wildcats)
Devin Leary found Barion Brown for an 11-yard touchdown pass, cutting Tennessee’s lead to 13-10 and showcasing Leary's accuracy.
Chas Nimrod (Tennessee Volunteers)
Chas Nimrod caught his first career touchdown pass, a 39-yard bomb from Joe Milton, reclaiming a 10-point lead for Tennessee.
Ray Davis (Kentucky Wildcats)
Ray Davis’ 7-yard rushing touchdown capped off a 75-yard drive for Kentucky, narrowing the gap to 20-17.
Charles Campbell (Tennessee Volunteers)
Campbell ended the first half on a high note for Tennessee with a 34-yard field goal, giving the Vols a 23-17 lead going into the locker room.
Dane Key (Kentucky Wildcats)
Dane Key’s 7-yard touchdown reception from Devin Leary tied the game at 24, making it an exciting contest.
Dylan Sampson (Tennessee Volunteers)
Dylan Sampson’s 12-yard touchdown run provided Tennessee with a crucial 33-24 lead in the fourth quarter.
Alex Raynor (Kentucky Wildcats)
Raynor's 28-yard field goal brought Kentucky within one touchdown, keeping the game intensely competitive at 33-27.
Tyler Baron (Tennessee Volunteers)
On Kentucky’s second drive, Baron made pivotal stops on third and fourth downs, halting Kentucky’s progress and gaining possession for Tennessee.
Charles Campbell (Tennessee Volunteers)
Despite hitting the upright, Campbell's 35-yard field goal extended Tennessee's lead to 26-17, underscoring his clutch kicking performance.
Standout Players:
Devin Leary (Kentucky Wildcats, QB)
Leary threw for a season-high 372 yards and two touchdowns, nearly leading Kentucky to an upset over Tennessee. His poised play kept the Wildcats in striking distance throughout the game.
Jaylen Wright (Tennessee Volunteers, RB)
Wright exploded for 120 rushing yards on just 11 carries, including a dynamic 52-yard touchdown run that set an aggressive tone early for Tennessee.
Charles Campbell (Tennessee Volunteers, K)
Campbell's perfect night included four field goals, critical in a game where touchdowns were hard to come by for the Volunteers in the red zone.
Barion Brown (Kentucky Wildcats, WR)
Brown was a reliable target for Leary, catching five passes for 58 yards and a touchdown, keeping Kentucky's offense effective throughout the game.
Joe Milton III (Tennessee Volunteers, QB)
Milton displayed efficiency by completing 18 of 21 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown, and also contributing with key rushing yards.
Dylan Sampson (Tennessee Volunteers, RB)
Sampson was instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring a vital 12-yard touchdown and accumulating 76 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Tennessee Volunteers
10
13
3
7
33
Kentucky Wildcats
0
17
7
3
27
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