Tennessee vs. Kentucky score: Live game updates, college football scores, NCAA

No. 3 Tennessee came out of the gates in a hurry against No. 19 Kentucky and took a 27-6 lead into halftime against its SEC East rival. Hendon Hooker hit Jalin Hyatt for a 55-yard touchdown on the fifth play from scrimmage to put the Vols ahead early, and they stayed in command for the rest of the half.

Hooker completed 12 of 14 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns to pace the Volunteers, who got star receiver Cedric Tillman back from an ankle injury for the game. Tillman caught four passes in the half, but it was Hyatt who was the star yet again. The junior speedster caught his second touchdown of the evening with 22 seconds left before halftime to give Tennessee a commanding edge.

Hyatt’s emergence is a big reason the Volunteers are in prime position to compete for an SEC title and College Football Playoff berth. With a game at No. 1 Georgia up next, this could be a trap spot for Tennessee as the Wildcats are seeking revenge. Kentucky dropped a 45-42 heartbreaker to the Vols last season but will need a big second half in order to get retribution.

Keep it locked here for live updates and analysis from this SEC East showdown as Tennessee hosts Kentucky.