Exactly as UT is a bigger rival than UL at least in football and UT is ranked way higher than UL was plus this game coming up is on RT.
Plus you must factor in that UK is #19 nationally and as you said a win extends our chances at not only the East but the SEC and National Titles.
Furthermore, though playing in the SEC is brutal with all the comp. you can make the FF w/2 Ls because you have so many opportunities at huge wins, especially when you factor in the SECCG. Its a 2 edged sword. With the bottom edge giving UK a prayer at the college football playoffs!