Cats Strive for Consistency
On Saturday under the lights at Kroger Field Kentucky looks for third straight 3-0 start under Mark Stoops. While they are undefeated there are still some things that need improvement. In addition, it’s a milestone weekend for the home of the Cats. Let’s look at both teams and give you a game prediction with our Akron versus Kentucky preview. But first an important update about a member of the coaching staff.
Doing Much Better
On Sunday offensive coordinator Liam Coen was hospitalized after suffering an undisclosed medical episode around 12:40 at the Wildcats’ football complex. After spending a couple of days at the Chandler Medical Center Coen was released on Tuesday. He released a statement to the Big Blue Nation via Twitter.
“My family and I thank you for all the support and prayers these past couple of days. The #BBN community is truly amazing. I’m doing much better and can’t wait to see you Saturday at Kroger Field — Go Cats!” Stoops said on Wednesday Coen will coach as normal against Akron.
Trying To Play Faster
Looking at the on-the-field product Kentucky’s struggled on offense compared to Coen’s first stint as offensive coordinator. In two games this season Kentucky’s run 112 offensive plays, that’s 128th out of 132 teams. And in 2021 under Coen, the Cats averaged 66 plays per game and 62 last year.
In addition, quarterback Devin Leary is running a pro-style offense for the first time in his college career meaning he’s taking snaps under center. Furthermore, he hasn’t played in almost a year after missing most of 2022 with an injury. Penalties and third-down inefficiency haven’t helped either.
However, if you are looking for positives Leary and the Cats’ offense looked much better in the second half against Eastern Kentucky. UK has one more chance at more consistency before they hit SEC play next week. As we continue our Akron versus Kentucky preview let’s look at the Zips.
A Familiar Name
The Zips are coached by former Mississippi State headman Joe Moorhead. Akron is 1-1 on the year losing 24-21 to Temple and beating Morgan State by the same score last Saturday. Akron actually trailed 21-17 late in the game. CJ McNunnally caused a fumble scooped up by Bryan McCoy for a touchdown keeping the Zips from losing to the FBS Bears.
Akron’s played two quarterbacks in two games in 2023. DJ Irons started against Temple completing 17 of 29 passes for two touchdowns. However, against Morgan State Irons was replaced by Jeff Undercuffler . He threw for 201 yards and a score but had three interceptions. Whoever is under center their main target is wide receiver Alex Adams. A transfer from LSU, Adams has nine receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. In 2022 he led the team with 63 catches and nine touchdowns.
Kentucky and Akron have only met once in history back in 2010. Derrick Locke ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-10 win.
Golden Anniversary
As we mentioned earlier this weekend marks a huge milestone for the University of Kentucky. It’s the 50th anniversary of Commonwealth Stadium/Kroger Field. On September 15th, 1973 Commonwealth opened as Kentucky beat Virginia Tech 31-26 in Fran Curci’s first game as head coach.
Over the years we here at Last Word On College Football have highlighted many of the great games in stadium history. A number of the contests were featured in our series counting down Kentucky’s greatest football victory. Another looked at Stoops’ best wins, a majority of which came at home.
Now that we looked at both teams let’s give you a prediction with our Akron versus Kentucky preview.
Who Wins On Saturday?
In both games this season Kentucky’s gotten off to a slow start. A quick start and blowout against the Zips would help settle the nerves of the BBN. Cutting down on penalties and improving third-down efficiency would go a long way in helping. Look for the Wildcats to play much better against a team that’s gone 6-38 since 2019. The Cats are a 25-point favorite and we think they’ll cover.
Kentucky 38-10
Thanks for checking out our Akron versus Kentucky preview here at Last Word On College Football. We’ll be back after the game with a recap.
Photo courtesy: Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
