In an exciting matchup between No. 21 Tennessee and Kentucky, the College Gameday crew has made their predictions for Saturday night's game. Both teams are looking to rebound from recent losses and secure a victory to boost their standings in the SEC.

Tennessee (5-2, 2-2 SEC) heads into this game after a disappointing 34-20 loss to Alabama, where they struggled to maintain their first-half lead against the formidable Crimson Tide. Meanwhile, Kentucky (5-2, 2-2 SEC) also endured a challenging stretch, suffering a blowout 51-13 defeat to No. 1 Georgia and a subsequent home loss to Missouri.

The highly anticipated showdown is scheduled to be televised on ESPN, with Mike Monaco providing play-by-play commentary, Jesse Palmer as the analyst, and Katie Georgia on the sidelines. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.

The College Gameday crew, renowned for their expertise and analysis, eagerly shared their picks for the Tennessee vs. Kentucky clash. Among them, Steve Smith Sr. predicted a Tennessee victory, suggesting that they have what it takes to overcome their recent setbacks and emerge triumphant.

The upcoming game holds significant historical significance as Tennessee and Kentucky are set to face off for the 119th time. Notably, this will be the sixth consecutive time the matchup will take place at night in Lexington since 2013.

For Tennessee, the challenge lies in overcoming their struggles on the road. With a record of two losses away from Neyland Stadium this season and four losses in their last five SEC road games, the Vols will need to turn the tides in their favor.

However, there is optimism surrounding Tennessee's head coach, Josh Heupel. In his six seasons as a head coach, Heupel has only lost back-to-back games twice. Furthermore, he boasts an impressive 11-2 record following a loss in the same season, including a 6-1 mark at Tennessee and a 5-1 record at UCF. Tennessee has effectively bounced back after losses under Heupel's leadership, securing victories in the following week, with three of those wins coming on the road.

This history of resilience and determination gives Tennessee fans hope, especially considering their previous success against Kentucky. In 2021, the Vols secured a thrilling 45-42 victory over the Wildcats, serving as a testament to their ability to respond after a loss.

As the stage is set for Saturday night's game, both teams will undoubtedly bring their A-game. Tennessee will be eager to prove themselves on the road and continue their winning streak after a loss, while Kentucky is looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats.

Only time will tell which team will prevail and secure the victory, but fans can certainly expect an intense and closely contested match between these SEC rivals.