[Lefty Noob]

Not much on the line here for UT, right, except for a 9-3 record and perhaps a slightly better bowl bid should they win. The Wildcats come in with a 7-4 record, which is somewhat of a surprise to me. Didn't realize they were having that kind of a 2006 campaign.

I'll defer to the experts here; Vols fans, you worried at all about UK at home?

[UT Vols News]

Tennessee closes out its regular season Saturday, finishing up with SEC East rival Kentucky at Neyland Stadium.

The Vols have won the last 21 games over the Wildcats, most recently posting a 27-8 win over Kentucky in Lexington. UT won the last meeting in Knoxville 37-31 to clinch its last SEC East title in 2004.

UT head coach Phillip Fulmer is unbeaten in 13 tries against the Wildcats, and the Vols have never scored fewer than 20 points against Kentucky since Fulmer took over in 1993. In the Fulmer era, UT has averaged nearly 44 points per game while holding the Wildcats to fewer than 17 points on average.

Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks is 0-3 all-time against the Vols.

The 2006 UT roster features two players from the state of Kentucky: Luke Stocker (Berea) and Jared Hostetter (Louisa).

VOLS' 21-GAME WIN STREAK OVER KENTUCKY SECOND-LONGEST IN NATION
Tennessee's current 21-game win streak over Kentucky is the second-longest active winning streak over a major opponent in NCAA Division I-A (among teams that have played every year). Notre Dame's current streak of 43 straight victories over Navy is the only longer active streak.

THE KENTUCKY SERIES
Series: UT leads 69-23-9
At Knoxville: UT leads 36-10-6
Last Meeting: UT, 27-8 in 2005

THE COACHES
UT: Phillip Fulmer (Tennessee 1972)
Overall Record:
136-40 (.773 / 15th year)
At Tennessee:
136-40 (.773 / 15th year)
Versus Kentucky:
13-0

UK: Rich Brooks (Oregon State 1963)
Overall Record:
107-138-4 (.438 / 22nd year)
At Kentucky:
16-29 (.356 / 4th year)
Versus Tennessee:
0-3

TENNESSEE VS. KENTUCKY -- GAME PREVIEW

[KENVOL]

It looks like we are back. With Ainge and Coker back we should have no trouble with Kentucky.

[rmjvol]

Fulmer's comments before the UT KY game:

1. What has the return of Erik Ainge at full strength done to improve the Vols' offensive production?

A - "It's obvious he makes a tremendous difference in our offense. That comes from experience, Erik's understanding of the offense and his understanding of the opponents defenses."

2. With so many good teams in the SEC and the Vols rounding into form, how do you personally feel about the concept of a playoff?

A - "The playoff is a hot topic. But I don't hear the right people talking about it. They understand the stress on the players. One other game would perhaps make sense. With only one open date, injuries would be a big factor in who plays for the championship."

3. What qualities separate LaMarcus Coker from other outstanding tailbacks who have played for the Vols over the years?

A - "He has a chance to be a really good player, but I want to make sure before comparing him with any of the greats of Tennessee history. He has the speed to make people miss. He can use angles. LaMarcus has a lot to look forward to since he is only a freshman."

4. Tell about the Kentucky offense the Vols must harness Saturday in the regular season finale.

A - "The Wildcats are a very good offensive team. They can do so many things, both passing and running. It's a great challenge to our entire team."

5. Comment on the overall quality of the class of seniors who will make their final appearance at Neyland Stadium Saturday.

A - "It's a great group of young men who have shown their love of Tennessee by fighting back. They bring character traits we can be very proud of. Many are exceptional players, and all have contributed to our success."

[UT Vols News]

A "Little Man" who left big footprints on the turf at Neyland Stadium and a big defensive tackle who created even bigger match-up problems for opposing offenses will be back in Knoxville as the Vols host Kentucky in the regular-season finale. Running back James Stewart and defensive tackle Mark Hovanic will be back at Rocky Top this weekend as they are honored as the last two Legends of Tennessee of the season.

He posted 10 100-yard rushing days before the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Stewart in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Stewart played eight seasons in the NFL with two teams, finishing his career with Detroit after piling up 5,841 yard and 48 touchdowns in the league.

Mark Hovanic, DT (1984-87)
The 6-3, 249-pound defensive tackle was one of the most disruptive linemen in school history. Hovanic recorded 19 sacks during his four-year career at UT and left campus ranked-second all-time in bringing down the quarterback.

Hovanic sacked Miami quarterback Vinny Testaverde, the 1986 Heisman Trophy winner, and forced a fumble in the SEC champions' 35-7 romp over the Hurricanes.



LEGEND OF TENNESSEE FOR KENTUCKY GAME

[rmjvol]

Nothing really impressive so far in the Tennessee vs. Kentucky game. Vols lead by 3 after a field goal that hit the upright & went in. Ainge threw the ball behind a wide open Meachem that should have been a TD.

[rmjvol]

WooHoo! Touchdown Tennessee!

Meach had 2 huge catches on this drive. The TD really looked like Ainge was trying to throw it away out the back of the endzone. Aigne threw it off his back foot with 2 guys already on him. Meachem made a great catch just barely inside the back of the endzone.

10-0 Vols

Go Vols Go!

[rmjvol]

KY held a 12-10 lead for a while but TN scored or 4th & goal at the 1/2 yard line to go up 17-12. KY not going away quietly, They've got the ball at their own 13 with 8 min left in the game.

[rmjvol]

LaMarcus Coker plunged 1 yard for a touchdown and No. 19 Tennessee's defense held on to beat Kentucky 17-12 Saturday, the Volunteers' 22nd consecutive victory over the Wildcats.

Erik Ainge was 19-of-33 for 240 yards for the Vols, and completed a 15-yard TD pass to Robert Meachem in the first quarter. Coker finished with 90 yards on 22 rushes.

The game marked a homecoming for Kentucky quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders, who resigned a year ago as Tennessee's offensive coordinator.

He had Woodson playing well. He was 26-of-39 for 282 yards and threw a 5-yard touchdown to Little in the second quarter.

Little ran for 119 yards on 23 carries.

Sanders had spent most of his adult life in Knoxville, staying on as a coach for 17 years after playing quarterback for the Vols. Coach Phillip Fulmer promoted him to coordinator when David Cutcliffe left to be head coach at Mississippi before the 1998 national championship game.

Fulmer and Sanders hugged and talked on the field before the game. While they were talking, Cutcliffe walked over and hugged Sanders and spoke for a moment.

[KENVOL]

Man, did we get by again. I hope we don't play anyone any good in a bowl we will get killed.

[KevinHarvickFan19]

Tennessee Volunteers