Kentucky’s post-bye problem follows Stein to Knoxville

Kentucky’s 34-6 loss at Tennessee extended the program’s poor record immediately after an open week, leaving coach Will Stein with a second challenge: preventing one defeat from becoming two.

The Wildcats were never competitive enough Saturday night in Knoxville, and the staff did not find an effective answer as the game slipped away. One result does not establish Stein’s own pattern because this was his first post-bye game at Kentucky. The loss continued a trend from Mark Stoops’ tenure.

Kentucky went 6-10 after bye weeks during Stoops’ tenure, including an 0-5 record in post-bye road games. The Tennessee result added another road loss to that broader program history and came in Stein’s first rivalry game away from home after an open week.

Now the focus turns to how Kentucky responds. Stoops was 29-42 in games following a loss, another record Stein inherited the task of changing.

Stein already has one successful response this season. Kentucky lost to Alabama in Week 2, then won at Texas A&M the following week. A victory against Florida would make Stein 2-0 in games immediately following a defeat.

The Tennessee loss also threatens Kentucky’s College Football Playoff chances, increasing the cost of another setback. Kentucky faces Florida immediately after the Tennessee loss, with a chance to avoid consecutive defeats.

Why it matters

Kentucky’s loss at Tennessee could seriously hurt its College Football Playoff chances. Stein now has an opportunity to improve to 2-0 in games following a loss and prevent the defeat from becoming a skid.

What to watch next

Kentucky hosts Florida on Saturday, with kickoff set for 6:15 PM ET.