By RON WYNN | Nashville Voice
The Tennessee Volunteer revived their bowl hopes with a huge upset Saturday, while both the University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University continued their winning streaks.
The Kentucky Wildcats came into Rocky Mount ranked 12th in the nation and in second place in the SEC East. They left with their 17th straight loss to Tennessee in Knoxville, 24-7.
The Vols borrowed a page from the Georgia playbook, concentrating on stopping UK’s star running back Benny Snell and daring Kentucky to beat them some other way.
Snell had just 81 rushing yards and 25 on receptions. Tennessee’s Ty Chandler out gained him with 89 rushing yards and Tennessee had 215 yards on the ground to Kentucky’s 77.
Jarrett Guarantano had two touchdown passes among his 12 completions in 20 attempts. He also had set a school record with 146 consecutive passes without an interception.
Darrell Taylor was the game’s defensive star. He had four sacks on UK QB Terry Wilson, plus a firced fumble he also recovered. Tennessee improved to 2-4 in the SEC and 5-5 overall. They need one more win for bowl eligibility and face Missouri at home Saturday.
Other than some defensive miscues, Memphis had no problems with Tulsa, winning 47-21 at the Liberty Bowl to even their AAC record at 3-3, and move to 6-4 overall. Darrell Henderson had another spectacular game with 166 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Damonte Coxie had six receptions for 110 yards, his third straight game with over 100 yards. QB Brady White also had two touchdown passes among his 14 completions in 20 attempts and 184 yards. The Tigers now go to SMU Friday night.
The MTSU Blue Raiders rolled to a 48-32 road win over the University of El Paso Miners. It was their sixth Conference USA win in seven tried and runs their overall record to 7-3.
Both QB Brent Stockstill, with four touchdown passes and 352 yards in the air, and receiver Ty Lee with a career high 158 yards in receptions, were offensive stars. The Miners hit a lot of late points playing against backups.
