Four Things To Know Before Kentucky Plays Vanderbilt
For a second straight season, Kentucky begins the second half of the season with a 5-1 record. In 2017 they struggled down the stretch and hope to reverse that this year. On Saturday they play the first of four straight games against the SEC East when they host the Commodores. Let’s get you ready for the game under the lights at Kroger Field with four things to know before Kentucky plays Vanderbilt.
Win And You’re In
Kentucky currently sits tied at the top of the SEC East with Florida and Georgia with one loss each. The Gators and Bulldogs play each other next week in their annual game in Jacksonville. On November 3rd the Wildcats host Kirby Smart‘s club in what is the biggest Kentucky football game in 11 years.
Either the Bulldogs or Gators will have two losses after next week. Should they end up tied, the Wildcats hold the tie-breaker with Florida as a result of their 27-16 win back in Week two. All Kentucky has to do is keep winning and they can play their way into Atlanta for a date most likely with Alabama. While beating Georgia won’t be easy, they aren’t as formidable as last year and one analyst thinks it is a good possibility.
“I’m picking @UKFootball to win the SEC East now … The Kentucky Wildcats will be in Atlanta.”
– @PeterBurnsESPN #SECThisMorning pic.twitter.com/a0JoWvj195
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 15, 2018
The opportunity is there for Kentucky they just have to seize it.
Bye Week Blues
In the previous five seasons under Mark Stoops, Kentucky is only 2-4 coming off a bye week. For a point of reference, the Cats had two off weeks in 2014. They lost to Mississippi State in 2013 and 2017, Louisville in 2014 and Auburn in 2015.
On the other hand, they defeated Vandy in 2014 and Mississippi State in 2016. Last season Kentucky played their worst game of the year coming off the bye losing 45-7 in Starkville.
The 40-38 victory two years ago over the Bulldogs is seen by many as a turning point in the program. The last second field goal by Austin MacGinnis possibly saved Stoops’ job as the Cats went on to finish 7-5 and play in the TaxSlayer Bowl. Since that game, Kentucky has a 16-10 record overall and 9-7 in the league.
Trying To Reverse A Trend
Not only will the Cats try to get over the bye week blues, but they hope to reverse a bad trend on offense. Over the last six quarters, Eddie Gran’s unit has scored exactly one touchdown.
Terry Wilson had a bad game against Texas A&M but that had more to do with a strong Aggie defense. Another Cat who had an off night was Benny Snell. Facing the SEC’s leading rushing defense Snell only gained 60 yards on 13 carries, the third least touches in his career.
True Blue fans have had two weeks to discuss why Snell didn’t get the ball more. One play, in particular, was the third and two in the overtime where they lined up in the Wildcat. However after a time out Gran elected to pass and Wilson was sacked.
In two previous games against Vandy, Snell has rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Look for a bounce back game against the second worst rush defense in the league.
On the season, Kentucky is 95th in the NCAA with 369 yards of offense per game. The passing numbers are even worse as the Cats rank 120th averaging only 145 yards a contest. That puts them ahead of only nine other schools, most of whom rarely pass the the ball. Defenses are lining up eight guys at the line of scrimmage forcing Wilson to beat them with the pass. Until they can get some consistency that is going to continue.
Scouting The Commodores
As we continue with four things to know before Kentucky plays Vanderbilt it’s time to look at the Commodores. Derek Mason’s club has been a tough one to figure out. They nearly beat Notre Dame in South Bend but almost lost to Tennessee State. Last weekend, Vandy blew a 21-3 lead in a 37-27 loss to Florida. As a result, the Commodores currently sit at 3-4 on the season.
The offense is headed by quarterback Kyle Shurmur. The senior has thrown for 1,629 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. His favorite target is junior Kalija Lipscomb. So far in 2018 Lipscomb ranks second in the SEC in receptions with 49. In addition he has 560 yards and six touchdowns. Kentucky’s secondary will have their hands full trying to stop him.
Who Wins On Saturday?
This is the third time is Stoops’ six seasons at Kentucky in which the Cats have started a season 5-1. The previous two times they struggled down the stretch due in part to the grind of the SEC. However, this season not only is the schedule seemingly in their favor but this team is different. With a senior laden squad that has been through the rigors of the league, they know what it takes to be successful. Stoops is even being mentioned in Coach of the Year honors.
Best coaching job? Most Pleasant Surprise? Biggest disappointment? Biggest Grease-Fire? Top Freshman? Plus who are the top guys at each position? My mid-season college football awards: https://t.co/GoFIPrh0R3
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 16, 2018
As mentioned earlier, Kentucky controls its fate. All they have to do is win. On Saturday, they take the first step towards a first ever berth in the SEC title game with a tough win over a game Vanderbilt squad.
Kentucky 28 Vanderbilt 17
Thanks for checking out four things to know before Kentucky plays Vanderbilt here at Last Word On College Football. Up next the Cats hit the road to face Drew Lock and the Missouri Tigers.
