Tennessee (5-2, 2-2) will visit Kentucky (2-4, 0-4) on Saturday (7:45 p.m. EDT) as the Vols look to extend their four-game win streak over the Wildcats. Here are four keys to a Volunteers win: 

Exploit UK’S QB weakness

Redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley has led the Wildcats offense since Week 3 of the season, following an injury to senior Zach Calzada. Boley has gone 1-3 after being promoted in head coach Mark Stoops' system. Through four games, Boley has completed 64% of his throws, while totaling four touchdowns and four interceptions.

Despite posting impressive numbers on the road against Georgia (2 TDs, 225 yards) and at home against Texas last weekend (31/39, 258 yards), Boley’s inexperience could prove detrimental to any success Kentucky looks for in this game.

Tennessee’s defense is currently tied for second in the nation with 26 sacks this season. After failing to bring down Alabama’s Ty Simpson in their last game, Tyre West and an experienced Volunteers defensive line will look to avenge a disappointing conference loss and bring the heat to Boley. 

Get each receiver involved

The Tennessee Volunteers have the No. 1 passing offense in the SEC. It is paramount that this dynamic offense plays up to its abilities in a crucial rivalry matchup with Kentucky.

Quarterback Joey Aguilar has excelled in Tennessee’s offense in his first year with the program and has given each of his receivers the opportunity to make plays throughout the season. Junior Chris Brazzell II, who is regarded as one of the top wideouts in the nation, has 602 yards and 7 TDs this season. Second-year men, Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews have both played up to their potential this season, recording 523 and 455 yards respectively.

This group, totaling 12 touchdowns together, will be key in a Tennessee victory over Kentucky. Each receiver will need to contribute to both the passing and blocking game to make this offense whole, against a tough Wildcats defense. Aguilar’s deep ball will be a feature of Saturday's game, with three capable talents on the receiving end.  

Limit Kentucky's RBs

After surrendering an average of 213.7 rushing yards per game in SEC play, the Volunteers defense held Alabama’s run game in check last weekend, allowing just 120 yards.

The Vols now face a middle of the pack Kentucky rushing group spearheaded by senior Seth Mcgowan. The Wildcats’ senior back ranks eighth in the SEC with 476 yards and sits in the top three among RBs with 7 touchdowns. In his first year in Lexington, Mcgowan more than doubled his rushing TD total at previous schools, New Mexico State and Oklahoma.

To ensure victory, Tennessee’s defense must continue to efficiently combat the run, similarly to the ways they did against Alabama.  

Protect Joey Aguilar

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar’s safety is a top priority in this game. Aguilar took a beating in the Volunteers’ last two games against Arkansas and Alabama, leaving his neck an area of concern. Despite sustaining heavy damage and needing medical attention at times, Aguilar was able to stay in and finish both games.

As the college football season progresses, the durability of quarterbacks begins to falter. Aguilar is essential to this Tennessee team’s explosive offense and must remain healthy for the Volunteers to get a shot at the College Football Playoff.

Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White’s attack sacked Texas' Arch Manning three times last weekend. White will look to bring heavy pressure against Aguilar as well on Saturday. Faced with this great challenge, it is crucial that Tennessee’s offensive line wins the battle in the trenches and keeps its field general protected.