The Tennessee Vols and Kentucky Wildcats square off on Saturday evening in Neyland Stadium in a game featuring two teams in the top 13 of the initial College Football Playoff rankings.

No. 6 Kentucky has certainly proved it’s not afraid of going on the road and winning, having won at South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma this year. No. 13 Tennessee has been strong at home, clubbing Alabama 26-10 and beating Auburn 24-14, but also dropping a close 20-17 game to Texas.

Of course, Tennessee has historically owned this rivalry (86-26-9) and has won five straight and 10 of last 12 on the field (9-2 officially after 2019 win was vacated).

What will happen in this year’s edition of the border rivalry? A to Z Sports college football writers weighed in with their score predictions

Kentucky 17, Tennessee 14

This game is tough to predict, and I could honestly see it going either way. But Kentucky keeps finding ways to win ugly games. They’ve done it in a multitude of ways, too, whether that’s defense or offense. To me, this has an ugly offensive game written all over it. Tennessee’s defense is very good, but they have struggled offensively. Kentucky has had moments on offense that would suggest they could be beaten, but it just keeps not happening. Give me the Wildcats.

Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Tennessee 23, Kentucky 13

This is a game where my mind keeps going back to this rivalry. This is a game that Kentucky always seems to lose, and Tennessee always seems to win regardless of the teams’ circumstances. And in a deafening Neyland Stadium, that’s a massive advantage for the Vols.

Tennessee’s highly-effective defensive front shuts down the Kentucky running game and puts it all on Kenny Minchey, and the Vols’ solid secondary keeps the UK passing game under wraps. The Vols’ ground game grinds the Wildcats down over four quarters and controls a substantial time of possession advantage. Another 30-carry, 130+ yard game for DeSean Bishop as the Vols repeat their successful formula from the Alabama win.

Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Tennessee

Tennessee 27, Kentucky 22

This is the week we find out how good the Kentucky Wildcats truly are. Tennessee is fighting for its playoff lives after the loss to South Carolina, and they have two weeks to rest and let that feeling fester. As much as I like what Will Stein and the Wildcats are building, it’s going to be hard to go to Neyland Stadium and come out with a win against a Vols squad that is coming off a bye week. That Tennessee defense is among the best in the country, and we saw what the environment did to an inexperienced signal caller with Keelon Russell. Give me Tennessee in a good one.

Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Tennessee 27, Kentucky 17

I’m taking Tennessee to defeat Kentucky in a game where the Wildcats’ magic finally runs out. Kentucky might find some early success offensively, but I expect the Volunteers’ defense to take control as the game progresses. The biggest issue for the Wildcats will be their inability to consistently move the football against Tennessee’s front. Kenny Minchey is going to have a difficult afternoon, facing constant pressure and struggling to find much rhythm in the passing game. Tennessee’s defensive line should make life uncomfortable for him from the opening kickoff.

I think the Volunteers eventually wear Kentucky down and create enough separation in the second half to pull away. Tennessee doesn’t necessarily need an explosive offensive performance to win this game, especially if its defense continues to make life difficult for Minchey. Kentucky will have a few moments, but sustaining drives will be a major problem, and the Wildcats won’t have enough answers once Tennessee starts controlling the line of scrimmage. The Wildcats’ recent run of success comes to an end.

Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Tennessee 26, Kentucky 20

This is a home playoff game for Tennessee because its College Football Playoff chances are on the line against Kentucky. Oddly enough, the Wildcats can lose this game and still make the postseason, which is something no one saw coming. It feels like Tennessee’s bye week couldn’t have come at a better time after that loss to South Carolina.

These two teams have similar defenses this season, while they differ a bit on offense, with Tennessee leaning more heavily on the running game than the Wildcats. Tennessee playing this one at home is huge, and it’s a great opportunity for QB George Macintyre to pickup a signature win.

I do think Tennessee takes this game in a close battle, outlasting Kentucky at home. Will Stein has done great things with the Wildcats so far, but they’ll be a two-loss team after this week.

Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Kentucky 29, Tennessee 28

The Wildcats are my favorite story in college football this season. They have done a great job of maximizing their talent with new head coach Will Stein. He isn’t just hiding their deficiencies; Stein is also instilling a belief in his players, including two game-winning two-point conversions against the LSU Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks.

Even so, Tennessee will give them quite a strong matchup on multiple fronts, but I believe Kentucky’s momentum is real, and this is a very underrated game on a weekend loaded with elite matchups.

Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida