Vols vs. Kentucky... A Fearless Prediction

The year was 1984.  "Who's The Boss" debuted on ABC.  Prince's "Purple Rain" is released, and Carl Lewis wins four gold medals in track and & field at the Summer Olympics.

And Kentucky's football team beat Tennessee's football team.

Since then, Tony Danza stopped cleaning houses in Connecticut, Prince changed his name to a symbol and then back to Prince, and Carl Lewis had a memorbale turn singing the National Anthem before an NBA game.

And Kentucky has yet to beat Tennessee again. The Vols have won 24 straight games against the Wildcats.  It's the nation's longest winning streak by one team over another.

Will this finally be the year UK bests UT?

Look, these aren't your great uncle's Wildcats anymore... They've qualified for four straight bowl games, something they've never done before.  With a win Saturday, Kentucky will finish second in the SEC East for the first time since divisional play began in 1992.

Head coach Rich Brooks should be commended for the job he has done in Lexington.  It is first and foremost a basketball school, and he has made Kentucky football more than just a space filler in the SEC.

The reinstatement of Vols safety Janzen Jackson not withstanding, this is a beat up football team going into their last game of the regular season.  There are second and third stringers getting significant playing time.  The Wildcats are also playing at less than 100 percent.

Former Alcoa HS star Randall Cobb has become Mr. Everything for Kentucky.  He plays at receiver, quarterback and returns kicks.  To this day, it is hard to understand why Tennessee showed late interest in his recruitment. 

Cobb has also become the leader of this Wildcats team.  Only a sophomore, last weekend he led Kentucky to a win at Georgia.  The first time that's happened in 32 trips to Athens.

This weekend, they will have even more reason to celebrate.  The game means more to the Wildcats. 

Kentucky 24, Tennessee 21.

Mark's 2009 Fearless Prediction Record: 11-1

What do you think?  Leave your comments and predictions below...