5 Interesting facts about the Tennessee vs. Kentucky rivalry ahead of Week 10 CFB Matchup

The No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers return from an open week refreshed after two key rivalry wins over Florida and Alabama. With a strong season record of 6-1, 3-1 in the SEC, the Vols are keen to carry their momentum into the five-game stretch to close out their regular season. This Saturday, they face their border rival, Kentucky, at Neyland Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats are hoping to come out of a three-game losing streak. They’ve struggled in SEC play, going just 3-5, 1-5 SEC, and will face a Tennessee team that’s been dominant this season.

History favors Tennessee in this matchup, especially with their recent win over Alabama, keeping them in the conversation for a College Football Playoff spot.

5 Interesting facts about the Tennessee vs. Kentucky rivalry

1. Long-standing history

The Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats have been battling it out on the field since 1893, making this one of the oldest rivalries in college football.

2. Odd-even Locations

Games alternate between Knoxville and Lexington, with matchups in Knoxville in even-numbered years and Lexington in odd-numbered years.

3. Battle for the Barrel

The rivalry was once known as the “Battle for the Barrel,” symbolized by a painted wooden beer barrel that the winning team would keep until the next game. This tradition ended in 1998 after a tragic alcohol-related accident involving two Kentucky players.

4. History of the ‘Beer Barrel’ Trophy:

The beer barrel trophy, introduced in 1925 by former Kentucky students, was painted half blue and half orange. The label read "Ice Water," a nod to Prohibition-era sensitivities, to avoid any controversy over an alcohol-related symbol. This trophy remained a symbol of victory in the rivalry until 1998.

5. Nickname of the rivalry

The matchup between these border-state teams is sometimes referred to as the "Border Battle."

Tennessee vs. Kentucky football Head-to-Head

The rivalry has faced each other 119 times, with Tennessee leading the series: 83-26-9 (NCAA) | 84-26-9 (On Field.) This Saturday marks the 81st consecutive season the Vols and Wildcats will face off since 1944.

Tennessee has played and beaten Kentucky more than any other opponent, with 84 on-field victories (83 in the NCAA record books). This record is one of the highest head-to-head win counts for a single team in the FBS.

The Vols have won 18 of the last 19 matchups against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium, including a dominant 44-6 victory in 2022 when Tennessee wore their "Dark Mode" uniforms. The rivalry began in 1893 with a 56-0 win for Kentucky.

Notable records in the Tennessee vs. Kentucky Football Series

In games held in Knoxville, Tennessee also has a strong record, leading 44-11-6. The Vols dominated the rivalry from 1985 to 2010, winning 26 consecutive games, a streak that stands as one of the longest in NCAA history. Kentucky had a solid run in the 1950s, posting a 6-3-1 record against Tennessee.

A memorable 1950 game, played on one of the coldest days in Knoxville, saw Tennessee edge Kentucky 7-0 in a snowy battle. This game was especially impactful, as Tennessee handed Kentucky its only loss of the season.

When both teams have been ranked in the Top 25 (1950, 1951, and 2022), Tennessee has come out on top in all three matchups.

When was the last time Tennessee defeated Kentucky?

The Vols defeated Kentucky in the last matchup in 2023 with a close 33-27 win. Tennessee’s defense played a crucial role, holding back Kentucky in critical moments.

The Vols’ standout offense contributed to the victory, with memorable performances throughout the game.

Who is favored in Tennessee vs. Kentucky?

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, Tennessee is a 16.5-point favorite over Kentucky.

The total for the game is set at 45.5 points, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. FanDuel’s moneyline lists Tennessee at -880 and Kentucky at +580 for an outright win.