Last week I said November would be the biggest month in Mark Stoops’ three years at Kentucky. Kentucky at Vanderbilt will say a lot about the direction that Stoops is taking this team.
The first week did not go well at all as the Cats dropped their fourth straight SEC game and third straight blowout losing to Georgia 27-3. The Bulldogs came into the game having not scored a touchdown in almost three games but torched the UK defense for 400 yards. Stoops even admitted in talking with the media this was the first time he felt all season his team played like they had no chance to win.
On the flip side of the ball, Patrick Towles, who has been struggling of late, hit what appeared to be rock bottom completing only 8 of 21 passes for 96 yards and two interceptions.
Many of the True Blue faithful have been clamoring for backup Drew Barker to take over totally or at least get some reps. Stoops and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson have said the two split time in practice this week and have a plan for Saturday.
If I had to guess, Towles will start but will be on a short leash. If he struggles I expect to see Barker soon then Stoops will go with whoever has the hot hand.
The thing most UK fans don’t take into account is the opponent for this week Vanderbilt. What the Commodores lack in offense they more than make up for on defense. Derek Mason’s club ranks 19th in the country in total defense at 316 yards a game. Totally switching quarterbacks against the Vandy defense may not be the best time.
Last week the Commodores’ defense gave Florida all they could handle holding them to 258 yards, nine points, and they forced three turnovers.
Aside from a 47 point eruption against Austin Peay, the most points Vandy has scored this season is 17. If the Cats are going to have any chance of making a bowl they need this one. Kentucky always likes to look at the Vandy game as a win every year. I haven’t seen one prognosticator who thinks the Cats can win. In a defensive struggle first one to 13 wins.
Kentucky 13-10
Time to take a look at the rest of the games in the SEC this weekend. Last week I went 5-2 making my season record 62-18. If we learned anything over the last week Alabama is still Alabama and with the rest of the league the only thing that is for sure is that nothing’s for sure.
Georgia at Auburn – (NOON CBS) – In blitzing Kentucky last week Marc Richt was able to stave off the buzzards for at least a little while. The Tigers finally put it all together in a blowout win over Texas A&M, and in the process avoided going winless against the SEC West. This one should go down to the wire and I am going to pick the visitors in this one.
Georgia 21-17
Florida at South Carolina – (NOON ESPN) – The Gators wrapped up the SEC East for the first time since 2009 in barely beating Vandy. The Gamecocks have been a different team since Shawn Williams took over from Steve Spurrier nearly beating Texas A&M and Tennessee on the road. I could see this being a trap game with USC winning, but as they have done almost all year, Florida wins in the fourth quarter.
Florida 24-14
North Texas at Tennessee – (NOON SEC Network) – I have stated the Vols will run the table and finish 8-4, and the only question in this one will be can UT cover the 42 point spread? I think they will and maybe by halftime.
Tennessee 52-7
Alabama at Mississippi State – (3:30 CBS) – Congratulations to the Tide and Nick Saban. You knocked off LSU last week. Your reward: you get to go to Starkville to play arguably the league’s hottest team. The way the Tide defense played was really remarkable, and the question is: Can they do it again with Dak Prescott? Over the last three games Prescott has thrown for 10 touchdowns and run for seven more. Bama has won seven in a row in the series and I think they make it eight in a great game.
Alabama 28-24
Western Carolina at Texas A&M – (7:00 ESPNU) – The Catamounts are 0-17 all-time against teams from the SEC. The Aggies will use this game to forget about the ugly loss to Auburn a week ago.
Texas A&M 45-10
Arkansas at LSU – (7:15 ESPN) – The Tigers will be looking to bounce back after losing to Alabama. They also will be looking to avenge last year’s loss to the Razorbacks. After starting the season 1-3 Bret Bielema’s club is now one win away from bowl eligibility. I don’t think they get the win in Baton Rouge, but this could be quite the shootout.
LSU 31-21
BYU vs. Missouri- (7:30 SEC Network Game Played in Kansas City) – After all that has gone on in Columbia getting on the field and playing is just what Gary Pinkel’s team needs. This season has not gone like they thought it would for the Tigers, and they face a tough Cougar team led by Tanner Mangum. A Missouri win would be a feel good story for sure, but I am not sure they can get it done.
BYU 27-23
That’s it for this week, if would love to hear your predictions. Look me up on Twitter @kevinmcguffey. Thanks for reading.
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