Kentucky Versus Georgia: Three Keys For The Cats
The 20th ranked Kentucky Wildcats travel to Athens, GA this weekend to take on the number one ranked Georgia Bulldogs in college football. Here are three keys for the Cats to compete and have a chance at a monumental win.
1. Start fast. Build a lead and manage to survive Georgia trailed South Carolina 14-3 at the half before winning 24-14 in Athens on Sept. 16. Last week, Georgia trailed Auburn 10-0 after one quarter. Even last season, Ohio State led Georgia 28-24 at the half, only to be outscored 18-13 over the final 30 minutes. Up 16-6 on the Dawgs at the half, Missouri was outscored 20-6 in the second half, including 14-3 in the fourth quarter.
In the 2021 National Championship game Alabama led 9-6 at the half over the Bulldogs, before a 20-9 Georgia 4th-quarter gave them the title. Kentucky must start fast and build a lead to have any chance in Athens this weekend. Then unlike others find a way to hold on late as Georgia finds its rhythm as the game progresses. Use the run game with 3–5-yard chunk plays to continue drives and control the clock.
2. Rush for 125 yards or more
Last Saturday, the Auburn Tigers rushed for 219 yards on 43 carries, the most rushing yards allowed by a Georgia defense since 2016. Though it wasn’t enough for Auburn to get the win as a two-touchdown underdog, Georgia needed a 40-yard Carson Beck-to-Brock Bowers TD pass with less than three minutes left to win it 27-20.
Meanwhile Kentucky and Ray Davis were putting on a physically dominant performance against Florida’s top ranked SEC rushing defense to the tune of 36 carries and 329 yards on the ground in a 33-14 win. Davis was named the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week after his 26 carries for 280 yards and 4 TD’s (1 passing) stellar game.
While no one expects a repeat of last week by either team this week, it is imperative that Kentucky be able to establish the run and get some chunk plays. Georgia this season is ranked much lower against the run (38th) than most would think. Expect Liam Coen and the Wildcats to attempt to exploit whatever they can mount up.
3. Strong Defense and Contain Brock Bowers
Brad White has been in charge of the Wildcats defense for four years before this season. Georgia has only scored more than 21 points in a game one time. While all have been victories for the Bulldogs, it is a must that Kentucky plays physical, aggressive, and keep the Cats in the game. A huge help would be if they can continue to force some turnovers.
Brock Bowers is special. He is a future NFL star TE. He is big and physical and has the abilities to bounce off of or run-over defenders. Kentucky must find ways to keep him from taking over the game. Whether it’s a bracket defense scheme or a one on one with linebackers, Kentucky has to find a way to keep him mortal in stats and to be able to keep him in front of them with good form tackling.
Game Information
Game: Kentucky Wildcats vs Georgia Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Location: Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA
TV: ESPN 7PM EST
Odds/Point Spread: Bulldogs (-14.5)
Total/Over-Under: 48.5
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