Two Teams In Similar Situations
It’s a battle of two teams desperately needing a win when Kentucky and Auburn meet on Saturday night. For the Wildcats they’ll try to accomplish something not done in over a half century. In addition, a win keeps their very slim hopes of making a ninth straight bowl game alive. As for the Tigers, a win could provide a boost for the rest of the year and into 2025. Let’s look at both teams, give you some history, and make a prediction as Kentucky Plays Host To Auburn.
Same Old Song And Dance
It seems like a broken record but week after week we are talking about the issues with the Wildcat offense. So far in five conference games the Cats only have six offensive touchdowns. That is the least since they had the same number 20 years ago. In addition, UK is only one of two schools without a rushing play of more than 30 yards, the other is Syracuse.
In the loss to Florida, the Cats did gain 309 yards. Unfortunately, they were undone by three turnovers. Furthermore scoring in the red zone continues to be a major issue. Bush Hamdan’s offense is the fifth worst in football with only 2o red zone opportunities. Time after time they self-destruct close to the goal line. The coaching staff preached the point of finishing drives and getting some big plays. We’ll see if this is the week it falls into place for the Cats.
Looking at the first injury report UK could have some depth issues at running back on Saturday. Chip Trayanum, who finally made his season debut last week, is listed as doubtful due to an ankle injury. As if that wasn’t enough their leading rusher, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, is listed as questionable.
Scouting The Tigers
Hugh Freeze’s squad comes into Saturday with a 2-5 record and 0-4 in the SEC. If there’s been a common thread in their league losses it’s not holding a lead. A week ago they led Missouri 17-6 heading into the fourth quarter. However, led by quarterback Brady Cook the Tigers scored 15 unanswered resulting in a four-point loss. A few weeks earlier they lost in a similar fashion against Oklahoma.
The Tigers have had uncertainly at the quarterback spot. Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne began as the starter. After throwing four picks against California Freeze replaced him with freshman Hank Brown. However, when Brown was intercepted three times against Arkansas he went back to Thorne.
On the year the senior completed 59 percent of his passes for 1,414 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. When the Tigers run the ball Jarquez Hunter is the main man. So far in 2024, he’s rushed for 585 yards and three touchdowns. Their top two receivers Keandre Lambert-Smith and Malcolm Simmons have combined for 48 receptions for 815 yards and eight scores.
Over on defense, the Tigers have a couple of big players. Senior rush end Jalen McLeod has five sacks and 9 1/2 tackles for loss. Sophomore defensive end Keldric Faulk also has five sacks and seven tackles for loss. Their leading tackler is linebacker Dorian Mausi with 40.
Now that we’ve previewed both teams let’s look at the rivalry as Kentucky plays host to Auburn.
Series History
Overall the history between the Wildcats and Tigers is heavily in favor of Auburn. Saturday marks the 35th time the two schools have met on the gridiron. Currently Auburn leads 27 wins to six for Kentucky and one tie back in 1955. Recent history is slanted even more towards the Tigers who have won 18 of the last 19.
Kentucky’s last win came in 2009 when the Cats won on the road. Behind 126 yards on the ground from Derrick Locke and 109 and a touchdown from Randall Cobb UK outscored Auburn 14-0 in the fourth quarter on the way to a 21-14 win.
As we mentioned earlier the Cats are trying to do something they haven’t done in over 50 years, beat Auburn at home. The last win was 17-7 in 1966. Since then Kentucky’s gone 0-9. The Wildcats had their chances in the last two meetings in Lexington losing both times by three.
We’ve previewed both teams and given you some history. Now it’s prediction time as Kentucky plays host to Auburn.
Who Wins On Saturday?
The Wildcats are trying to avoid going winless at home in the SEC this season. Taking it a step further Stoops’ Troops are 2-10 in the last 12. On paper, a Tigers squad that hasn’t beaten a power five team this year could be what the Cats need. Auburn’s had big-time turnover issues, ranking 126th in football with a -10 margin. Kentucky ranks 78th in that same category.
For the Wildcats to win they must limit turnovers, cut down on penalties, and generally don’t defeat themselves. Do that and the Cats get their first home win against Auburn in 58 years.
Kentucky 21-17
Thanks for checking out our preview as Kentucky Plays Host To Auburn here at Last Word On College Football.
