UK-Tennessee Tech Predictions

Kentucky is better than a three touchdown favorite going into Saturday’s home game against Tennessee Tech, which is 10-0 so far in the 2025 season.

If Kentucky wins the Wildcats pull even at 5-5 overall with two chances to get to six wins and bowl eligibility.

Here are game takes and predictions from Cats Illustrated writers Jeff Drummond and Justin Rowland according to the typical format.

Cats Illustrated: What are the main reasons for optimism for Kentucky fans on Saturday?

Jeff Drummond: Kentucky has an opportunity to show that the Florida blowout was not a fluke or simply a byproduct of the Gators laying down on their season, as is the popular narrative around parts of Big Blue Nation. Tennessee Tech is a legit test, one of the best teams in the FCS, and the Cats can make a statement by going out and keeping their offensive momentum going. This would typically be a ho-hum week on the schedule, but every game being critical to Mark Stoops’ situation and potentially UK’s bowl hopes should bring a different vibe. I would not expect the typical “letdown” game.

Justin Rowland: I’ve watched some Tennessee Tech highlights and even some extended game footage and it’s clearly a team that has dominated its level of play. But I don’t see how that translates to playing against an SEC team on the road, especially one that has found its footing with two straight SEC wins. We aren’t talking about an FBS team. Some of the throws that quarterback has gotten away with downfield aren’t big plays against SEC competition. They rush for more than 200 yards per game and that’s a huge part of their offense but I just don’t think you can expect that to carry against a team that sees much more talent every week. The fact that this game is in Lexington and Kentucky probably needs it to get to the goals it wants to achieve makes me think they aren’t going to overlook Tennessee Tech at all. This is a UK team with some real momentum and they’re looking to prove people wrong. Because I don’t see the Tennessee Tech offense as a big threat to the Kentucky defense I think it’s the kind of game Kentucky could survive even with some things going wrong. So there’s a lot to like in this matchup for me.

CI: What are the main reasons for concern?

Drummond: This is probably the most dangerous FCS opponent that UK has ever faced. I can’t recall one being ranked higher, and Tennessee Tech is the top scoring offense at the FCS level at 45 points per game. That has to grab your attention, regardless of the strength of schedule. The Golden Eagles will be coming to Lexington 10-0 and riding a 15-game win streak. They want to make a statement in this one as they prepare for the playoffs. The Cats have sustained several injuries on the defensive side of the ball that have tested their depth, so it’s going to be a challenge for Brad White & Co. to keep their heater going.

Rowland: This could be a trap game. Tennessee Tech knows how to win and they will go into Kroger Field with a lot of confidence and a chip on their shoulders. While Cutter Boley has improved a lot over the course of the year we still see some dangerous plays that have been or could have been turnovers. Tech’s defense is probably good enough to take advantage of a lackadaisical game or an off day by the offense, and UK’s offense hasn’t turned the corner to such a degree that you automatically bank a good game. Scoring 38 points against Florida was promising but scoring was a real problem before that. Having said all that, I don’t expect this game to be especially close.

What’s your prediction on the game’s outcome and who will be Kentucky’s MVP?

Drummond: Kentucky 36, Tennessee Tech 16 — I think we see a focused effort from the Cats, who have no margin for error the rest of the season. Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell should have big days in the ground game. I’m going to pick McGowan as my MVP with a nice performance running and catching the ball.

Rowland: Kentucky 30, Tennessee Tech 10. I trust Kentucky’s defense after giving up only 10 points in the last two weeks against SEC teams. And I think Kentucky’s offense will at least hit on enough big plays to avoid an ugly number against an FCS team.