Kentucky
Will Vanderbilt football remain in CFP contention vs Kentucky? Our prediction
Vanderbilt football may not control its destiny for the College Football Playoff, but the Commodores can help themselves with every win.
Vanderbilt (8-2, 6-2 SEC) will have its senior day celebration as it is set to take on Kentucky (5-5, 2-5) at FirstBank Stadium on Nov. 20 (2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN). The Commodores will need to win both remaining games against Kentucky and Tennessee to stay in playoff contention.
The Wildcats have won three straight, against Auburn, Florida and Tennessee Tech. Vanderbilt defeated Auburn on Nov. 8 and did not play last week.
Here’s our prediction for the matchup.
Vanderbilt vs Kentucky prediction
Kentucky has struggled overall this season, though it has played close games against a handful of SEC contenders. The Wildcats had a one-score loss to Ole Miss and took Texas to overtime. They also got blown out by Georgia and South Carolina. Defense is where Kentucky has hung its hat this season and Vanderbilt has at times struggled against good defensive teams.
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Vanderbilt vs Kentucky scouting report
Why Vanderbilt has an advantage: Vanderbilt is simply the better team. Kentucky is arguably the worst team in the SEC, and the only teams the Commodores have lost to are playoff contenders. Diego Pavia provides a distinct advantage for Vanderbilt.
Why Kentucky has an advantage: Kentucky defeated Auburn, and Vanderbilt went to overtime with Auburn. The Wildcats have a strong defense and teams with that profile have tripped up the Commodores at times. If Vanderbilt isn’t on its game defensively, meanwhile, even a poor offensive team like Auburn was able to put up points.
Vanderbilt vs Kentucky injury updates
For the Commodores, several reserve players are out long-term. Those out are Yilanan Ouattara, Drew Dickey, Vanzale Hinton, Chase Gillespie and Nikhil Jefferson.
Vanderbilt vs Kentucky score prediction
Vanderbilt 35, Kentucky 17
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.
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