Tennessee @ Kentucky Writeup

Both teams are coming off of losses on Saturday.

Kentucky

Kentucky is unranked and sitting at 10-5 on the year and 1-1 in SEC play. They’ve already lost two home games, one of them being to Texas A&M at home on Saturday by 12. Their next game is on the road at Auburn (8-7) on the 19^th.

With 3 freshman projected in the top 15 of the NBA draft, Kentucky has been everything but impressive. So far this year they’ve lacked leadership and toughness. Calipari said that he hopes the teams last loss to A&M will finally get his team to “buy-in” to the philosophy of being successful through commitment, hustle, and trust.

Teams aren’t scared to play Kentucky right now like they have been in the past. "If there is a change, no one late in this season is going to want to play this team," Calipari said. "Right now, it appears everyone wants to play this team."

They need to pick up their defense to win this game versus Tennessee. In the last game they gave up 40 points to Elston Turner and no one was willing to step up and shut him down. Now, they have to contend against Jordan McRae who has scored 20+ in his last 3 games.

Tennessee

Tennessee comes into the game at 8-6 on the year and 0-2 in SEC play. They ended 2012 on a 4 game win streak, but are winless so far in 2013 (0-3). Also, they are yet to win a road game this year. Their next game is at home against Mississippi State (7-7) on Saturday.

Tennessee has 3 players averaging 11+ points, but scoring has been a problem for them this year (247^th in ppg). You might remember back to back games earlier in the season where they finished the game in the 30’s. They've been more effectively lately, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Tennessee isn’t scared of playing at Kentucky. “It’s definitely different this year.” Sophomore forward Jarnell Strokes said. “We plan on winning in Rupp Arena.” Skylar McBee also said they’re going to try and rattle Kentucky early and sustain it throughout the game. He said that they lack leadership and don’t seem to gel this year.

Bottom Line

Tennessee is in a bad situation. Not only are they struggling lately, but they’re forced to play Kentucky in a must-win situation early in the year. Tennessee is going to need to rattle Kentucky early to have a chance. I don’t see it happening.

Coach Cal will have his team ready to play at home. Nerlens Noel has been playing terrific lately as well coming off of a 15 point, 11 rebound, 7 block, 6 assist, 4 steal performance that got overshadowed by Elston Turner scoring 40 points.

I could see Tennessee trying to do too much and forcing shots while Kentucky finds themselves in front of their home crowd.

I’ve got Kentucky by double digits.

And why wouldn't Tenn be in a "must win" situation @ 0-2?

Regardless, anytime you use this scenario as a reason to back a team it should be used to argue the other side. Tenn has no expectation to keep it close at Rupp, and the pressure is on UK to play well. Value lays with the underdog here imo...

Good spot to sell high on a young Kentucky team who is always going to have inflated numbers and buy low with an under the radar Tenn team who has struggled as of late.