Kentucky football hosts Georgia on Saturday in Lexington. Here are your three keys to a Wildcat victory.
By Steve Wright
The Kentucky Wildcats (2-3) need to bounce back quickly following their disappointing defeat to Mizzou against the backdrop of a brutal five-game sprint to the end of the season. Next up for the Wildcats is a matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs (3-1), the No. 5 team in the country and one that will be rested after a week off.
Get the run going
The Kentucky running game is far better than the 22 attempts for 98 yards that it racked up against Missouri. This is an attack that has a 400-yard day on its books this season, and sometimes it feels like the play calling is getting in the way of the rushing attack as opposed to making it shine. Chris Rodriguez – he of the 5.5 yards per carry average and four touchdowns on the ground- should never be limited to nine carries in a contest that is tight all the way through. Running the ball – and sticking to the game plan even if it doesn’t work at first – is vital here.
It’s time for Joey Gatewood
There are plenty of fans that would have liked to see Joey Gatewood given the chance to start at quarterback for Kentucky given that the passing game under Terry Wilson has been pretty anaemic so far this season. Those folks will get their wish – albeit in thanks to injury – as it appears that Gatewood will start after Wilson has missed a couple of practices this week with a hand injury and looks doubtful for the game. Gatewood – an Auburn transfer – has seen limited action for the Wildcats this season, but it is hoped that his arm and playmaking ability as a passer will help open up the Kentucky running game if he is indeed the starter.
Stop the Georgia linebackers
This is a game where the offensive line has to be on point. Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari is impossible to play against and he has 15 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 13 hurries on the season already. Inside backer Monty Rice has 24 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a sack. The other linebackers – even in sub-packages – are just as active and they are the heartbeat of this Georgia defense. The Kentucky blockers need to find and dominate these specific players if the Wildcats are to have any chance of an upset win.
Saturday‘s Kentucky football game kicks off at 11:00 PM CT (12:00 PM ET). You can watch on the SEC Network.
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