Takeaways: Kentucky fought but couldn't beat the ranked Tennessee Volunteers

What can we take away from Kentucky's loss to Tennessee?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Oct 28, 2023 10:23 PM EDT

In this story:

Kentucky Wildcats

Tennessee Volunteers

Kentucky fought hard against the Tennessee Volunteers but wasn't able to leave with the win.

The Cats moved the football on offense, but Tennessee's elite rushing attack was too much for the Cats.

What can we take away from Kenutcky's 33-27 loss to SEC East rival Tennessee?

Leary had a good game

Oct 28, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Devin Leary (13) passes during the second quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the loss, Devin Leary had one of if not the best games of his Kentucky career. He threw for 373 yards and two touchdowns. The loss hurts bad for the Cats, but hopefully, Leary heating up will serve the Cats well for the rest of the season. Leary will hopefully be a lot better going forward as the Cats play a poor Mississippi State team next Saturday.

Barion Brown and Dane Key showed up

Nov 5, 2022; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) and Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Tayvion Robinson (9) celebrate in the end zone after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports — © William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

Barion Brown and Dane Key both had good games against Tennessee. The receivers combined for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Both of these receivers have had drop issues this season, so seeing them catch some big-time passes should make Big Blue Nation feel better for the rest of the season.

Cats couldn't get it done late

Nov 26, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker J.J. Weaver (13) celebrates during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky played a solid football game but wasn't able to come out with the win. The defense didn't play their best game, as the Vols ran for a whole bunch of yards. This Kentucky offense showed up big time in this loss, and perhaps Leary is back to his old self we saw at NC State. The loss hurts, but Kentucky still has some good opponents on the schedule that could help this team secure a good bowl game.

Watch articles vs. Georgetown College

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