Kentucky football suddenly looks like a different team.
Two weeks ago, the Wildcats were sitting at 2–5 overall and 0–4 in the SEC, searching for answers and fighting to keep the season alive. Since then,
Mark Stoops’ team has delivered two of the most surprising performances of the year—first shocking Auburn on the road, then overwhelming Florida in a convincing blowout at Kroger Field.
Now at 4–5, Kentucky has completely flipped its trajectory and is playing with confidence, physicality, and renewed belief. But this week brings a different kind of challenge: handling success.
Up next is undefeated No. 5 Tennessee Tech, a 10–0 FCS program boasting the highest-scoring offense in the subdivision and a quarterback who can put pressure on defenses in multiple ways. For Kentucky, this matchup is less about escaping danger and more about proving they can take care of business against a team that’s dominated its level of competition.
Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Kroger Field, streamed exclusively on SEC Network+.
Scouting Tennessee Tech (10–0, No. 5 FCS)
The Golden Eagles are one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in the FCS, averaging big plays through the air and on the ground. Their success starts with senior transfer quarterback Kekoa Visperas, who came from Eastern Washington and has delivered one of the nation’s most efficient seasons.
QB Kekoa Visperas
- 170/259 (65.6%)
- 2,120 passing yards
- 22 TD, 4 INT
- 14 sacks taken
- 77 carries, 440 rushing yards, 3 TD
Visperas is dangerous in structure and even more dangerous when plays break down. He’s slippery, decisive, and aggressive pushing the ball downfield. However, Tennessee Tech’s offensive line has struggled in pass protection—14 sacks allowed—and this may be where Kentucky’s defensive front can take over.
Running Back Depth
Few FCS teams have a deeper rotation:
- Quintell Quinn: 87 carries, 655 yards, 9 TD
- Q’Daryius Jennings: 73 carries, 489 yards, 10 TD
- Aidan Littles: 40 carries, 234 yards, 4 TD
- Visperas: adds 440 rushing yards himself
This group is efficient and explosive, but Kentucky’s SEC size and speed will be the toughest test they’ve faced all year.
Receivers to Know
Tennessee Tech spreads the ball around to four top receivers:
- Noah Robinson: 31 catches, 473 yards, 6 TD
- Maury Sullivan: 35 catches, 472 yards, 4 TD
- Tre Holloway: 27 catches, 431 yards, 3 TD
- Tremel Jones: 28 catches, 305 yards, 2 TD
- TE Brian Courtney: 17 catches, 206 yards, 2 TD
This is a balanced group with no true weakness—every receiver averages over 11 yards per catch.
Defensive Line: The Strength of the Team
Tennessee Tech loves to attack downhill. They’ve racked up 38 sacks, one of the best totals in the FCS:
- Maurice Lapierre – 7 sacks
- Theron Gaines – 5.5 sacks
- Chima Iwuagwu – 5.5 sacks
- Ethan McLaurin – 3.5 sacks
They bring pressure from every angle. However, they do not generate many turnovers with just 10 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, and 5 recoveries.
Their defense is high-risk, high-reward. Kentucky can exploit that.
Scouting Kentucky (4–5, Momentum Rising)
QB Cutter Boley
The redshirt freshman has grown significantly over the last two weeks and now has season totals of:
- 141/210 (67.1%)
- 1,544 yards
- 12 TD, 8 INT
He’s improved in pocket presence, accuracy, and command. This game is a chance to continue building confidence before Kentucky closes the season with two SEC foes.
Running Back Duo
Kentucky will lean heavily on the ground attack:
- Seth McGowan: 136 carries, 621 yards, 9 TD
- Dante Dowdell: 89 carries, 441 yards, 2 TD
Expect to see young backs Jason Patterson and Tovani Mizell get meaningful reps if UK controls the game.
Pass Catchers
Boley has developed chemistry with several targets:
- WR Kendrick Law
- TE Willie Rodriguez
- TE Josh Kattus
- WR DJ Miller
- WR Fred Farrier II
Expect Kentucky to rotate heavily and try to establish rhythm without overexposing Boley to pressure.
Defense
Kentucky’s defense is coming off its most complete performance of the year. Safety Ty Bryant continues to shine with a team-high 30 tackles and three interceptions. The Wildcats also have 19 team sacks, and this matchup gives them a prime opportunity to add to that total.
Keys to the Game
1. Pressure Visperas Early and Often
Tennessee Tech’s offensive line has struggled, and Visperas takes risks when under duress.
Kentucky must:
- Collapse the pocket
- Discipline the edges
- Tackle immediately on scrambles
- If UK sets the tone defensively, the game tilts heavily in their favor.
2. Eliminate the Run Game
Make Tennessee Tech play one-dimensionally. Stopping Quinn, Jennings, and Littles forces Visperas into long third downs.
3. Give Cutter Boley a Clean Pocket
The Golden Eagles’ defensive line is aggressive. Kentucky must keep Boley upright and let him continue developing confidence.
4. Lean on McGowan and Dowdell
Run the ball early, often, and with authority. This matchup screams for ball control and physicality.
5. Get the Young Guys Reps
If the game goes according to plan, Kentucky should get Patterson, Mizell, and several young defenders on the field.
Kentucky Football vs. Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles
- Game Time: 1:30 PM ET on November 15th, 2025
- Location: Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky
- TV Channel: SEC Network+ (streaming only)
- Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
- Radio: Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro have the UK radio call on the UK Sports Network.
- Satellite Radio: XM Channel 203, Sirius Channel 98, Internet Channel 966
- Replay: ESPN+ and SEC Network (check local listings).
- Rosters: UK | TECH
- Stats To Know: UK | TECH
- Advanced Stats
- Weather.com Forecast
- Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has Kentucky favored by 21.5 points with an over/under of 52.5. ESPN gives the Wildcats a 94.4% chance of victory, their largest since Eastern Michigan earlier this season.
- Predictions: DRatings.com has the Wildcats winning by more than three touchdowns, 35-13. Kentucky has too much size, too much depth, and too much momentum. Tennessee Tech’s offense is legit, but this is a different level of athlete and physicality. I’m going with a 41-13 win for the Cats as they roll toward 5-5.
