Cats Head To Texas Looking For An Upset
For Kentucky the task is simple, win out and make a ninth straight bowl game. A big win over Murray State, snapping a four-game losing streak, was a good start. However, Mark Stoops’ Cats have a monumental task in front of them. For only the second time in school history, they’ll visit Austin, Texas facing one of the nation’s best. Let’s preview the game, and give you some history and a prediction as Kentucky tries for a playoff spoiler.
Some Positive Steps
The Wildcat offense did some good things against the Racers in a 42-point win. However let’s be realistic they were playing one of the worst teams in college football in FCS, formerly Division 1-AA.
As expected the Big Blue Nation got an extended look at quarterback Cutter Boley, who played well. Playing the entire second half Boley completed 10 of 14 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Conversely, starter Brock Vandagriff struggled at times after returning from a head injury in the loss at Tennessee. Vandagriff hit on 12 of 19 for 183 yards with two scores and one pick. However one of the touchdowns easily could have been an interception. A badly underthrown pass went through a Murray State defender’s hands into Hardley Gilmore IV, who got his first career touchdown.
Fast forward to Monday and with seemingly little to play for many were surprised to hear Stoops is sticking with the Georgia transfer. During his weekly press conference, the UK head man said, “Brock will be under center, and Brock has given us a chance to win on the road and beat a playoff team and had an opportunity in some others. Cutter’s a very talented young player that we’re excited about.” Of course, it remains to be seen whether Gavin Wimsatt takes snaps as well.
Whoever is the starting signal caller has their work cut out for him facing one of the best defenses in the country. Let’s look at Texas as Kentucky’s tries for a playoff spoiler.
Scouting The Longhorns
Steve Sarkisian’s squad comes into Saturday’s game sporting a 9-1 record and tied for first in the SEC at 5-1. Their one loss came at home to Georgia 30-15 back on October 19th.
Last week they earned a hard-fought road win 20-10 over Arkansas. Quarterback Quinn Ewers leads the Longhorns attack. So far in 2024 Ewers has completed 68 percent of his passes for 1,898 yards. In addition, he’s thrown 21 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
Of course, Texas has another star quarterback on the bench in Arch Manning. Appearing in six games he’s thrown for nearly 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns.
Texas has two good running backs. Tre Wisner has 468 yards in 2024 and two touchdowns. Right behind him is Jaydon Blue who’s rushed for 459 yards and five scores. In addition, he’s tied for second on the team with 30 receptions. Tight end Gunnar Helm leads the way with 37 receptions on the year.
Now, let’s talk about that defense. Kentucky’s already faced three of the top ten teams, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. Texas looks like the best of the bunch. They lead the nation allowing only 249 yards per game and 3.95 yards per play. Furthermore, only Georgia with 30, and Vanderbilt’s 24 are the only teams to crack 20 points. In fact, half of the teams they’ve faced have scored ten or under.
Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. leads the way with 68 tackles, five and a half sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception. Defensive back Jahdee Barron leads the league with four interceptions.
There’s not a lot of history between the two schools but let’s look at their prior meeting as Kentucky tries for a playoff spoiler.
The Last Time They Met
Kentucky and Texas have only met once in history. That came on September 22nd, 1951 in Austin. In a story familiar to UK fans the inability to protect the quarterback and special teams miscues led to a defeat.
A sack of Kentucky star signal caller Babe Parilli by Paul Williams and a subsequent fumble led to the Longhorns’ only score. Williams wreaked havoc on the UK offensive line all day.
Kentucky got on the board in the third quarter when Parilli found Bucky Gruner on a six-yard strike. However, holder Herb Hunt couldn’t get the snap down resulting in a mixed extra point. Despite out-gaining Texas 287-221 and having 21 first downs to eight the Cats lost 7-6.
As we do every week it’s prediction time as Kentucky tries to play playoff spoiler.
Who Wins On Saturday
Fun fact for you, Austin is the farthest west Kentucky’s ever traveled for a game. While it’s been a disappointing season they’ve played well against top opponents. UK nearly beat Georgia. They upset Ole Miss in Oxford. Lastly, they gave Tennessee a battle before losing by ten.
The Longhorns currently sit third in the college football rankings. In addition, Last Word has them winning the SEC and making it to the championship. Next week they face Texas A&M for the first time since 2011. It’s possible they look past Kentucky. At the end of the day, it’s hard seeing UK scoring enough to pull the upset. Look for the Cats to hang tough for a while before Texas pulls away.
Texas 31-14
Thanks for checking out our preview as Kentucky tries for a playoff spoiler. We’ll be back after the game with a recap.
