Tennessee and Kentucky are both off this weekend ahead of their big showdown in Knoxville on November 7.

The Wildcats are 7-1 and currently in first place in the SEC while the Vols are 6-2 following their loss to South Carolina last weekend.

According to the A to Z Sports College Football Playoff predictor, Tennessee’s odds of reaching the playoff will increase from 23 percent to 32 percent with a win over Kentucky.

If the Vols lose, their chances will plummet to just 2 percent.

Kentucky, meanwhile, will see its chances increase from 36 percent to 70 percent with a win over the Volunteers (UK’s chances fall to 20 percent with a loss).

So, it’s clearly a massive game for both programs.

Kentucky head coach Will Stein comments on big game against Tennessee

Kentucky head coach Will Stein spoke to reporters on Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference and he was asked about the upcoming game against Tennessee.

Stein made it clear he thinks the Vols are one of the “elite” teams in college football.

“They’re off, and we’re off this weekend, so I don’t mind saying anything about them,” said Stein when asked about Tennessee. “I think they’re obviously one of the elite teams in the country. I think they’re good in all three phases. Coach (Josh) Heupel has been one of the dynamic play callers in college football over the last decade or so.

“And then Jim Knowles — this will now be my fourth time going against Coach Knowles. I can’t say enough great things about him. He’s a phenomenal coordinator. His defense is very hard to game plan against. I think he’s one of the best in the business. And then special teams are gonna affect that as well. So going into their stadium, I have nothing but respect for that coaching staff. And I know it’s gonna be a really tough environment to play in. Our guys are looking forward to the challenge.”

Kentucky and Tennessee are set to kick off at 6:15 PM ET on November 7.