Kentucky fans react to Tennessee game at LexLive in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky football fans who did not travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, gathered at LexLive in downtown Lexington on Saturday to watch the Wildcats play the Tennessee Volunteers.

Rivalry history

Kentucky and Tennessee first played in 1893 and have met more than 120 times on the football field.

On Saturday, Kentucky was looking to end a five-game losing streak against Tennessee.

“I love the blue and I hate the orange. We’re winning it all, we’re winning it all,” one fan said.

Kentucky falls behind

Kentucky fell behind in the first quarter and did not complete a comeback. Cheers became less frequent as the game played out.

“I would’ve liked a better start,” a fan said.

First-year head coach Will Stein had led Kentucky to a 7-1 start, including an overtime win over LSU. Against Tennessee, the Wildcats came up short.

Before the game ended, UK student Noah Wadley braced for a loss.

“If UK does lose tonight, I would probably go back home, cry myself to sleep — you know, just the usual,” Wadley said.

Fans look ahead

Fans said that while the Wildcats did not win at Rocky Top, they are proud of what the team has accomplished this season, even if not every game is a win.

“My mental health last year during last football season was like down here. Like, this year it is all the way through the roof. Never been happier. It is genuinely life changing,” Wadley said.

Kentucky plays Florida at home next Saturday.

Remaining games and WKYT poll

Kentucky has three regular-season games remaining: Florida at home next week, a trip to Missouri and the Governor’s Cup game against Louisville.

WKYT asked viewers on WKYT.com how many of the remaining three games they think Kentucky can win. As of Saturday night, most respondents said two.