I've never been to a football game, but have spent a goodly amount of time on campus for work items.
It's a friendly town, lots of good restaurants, fans will be into it but Texas fans will be viewed as interesting or just different. Most hostilities are reserved for Louisville and to a far lower degree Indiana, Florida and Arkansas. If you haven't booked a hotel do it yesterday.
Since I haven't been there for football I can't speak to tailgates but I'm asking some UK contacts I have about them.
I'll be there and if you want any tips on restaurant, hotels, want to connect or whatever just PM me.
If you're a car enthusiast and have time, Blue Ridge Parkway is absolutely worth the time to drive. Just keep the speed down as it is a government revenue producer. If you're a Bourbon guy there are lots of great side trips off the Parkway.
I'd say only Cbus is a better town than Lexington as an away trip this year and that's only because Cbus is much larger and more metro with better restaurants. I'm suprised there isn't more interest for the UK game for fans here. The OSU fans take Cbus value down a lot, so I personally think UK is the best road trip this year. Though watching Texas play #2 is a massive reward, particularly if we win.