Saturday night at Commonwealth stadium posts the opportunity for Kentucky to be eligible of a bowl game. With the school’s last appearance made in 2010, this appearance would be the first under 3-year head coach Mark Stoops. In order to become eligible for a bowl game, however, Kentucky must win one of it’s three remaining games this season. The Wildcats could use these five keys victory against Georgia Saturday night.
Pound the rock
The focal point of Kentucky’s offense through their three game winning streak has been their two-headed rushing attack of Stanley “Boom” Williams and Benny Snell Jr. The Wildcats are averaging 51 carries for 299 yards during the streak. If Kentucky can manage to run the ball more than 50 times, it should be hard to walk out of Commonwealth with a loss.
Win the clock
A large benefit of an elite rushing attack is winning the time of possession. During their win streak, Kentucky’s offense has been on the field for an average of 35 minutes vs. their opponents averaging just 25 minutes. If the Wildcats can run the ball effectively Saturday night, the time of possession should swing in their favor.
“Bench” the defense
Hold on, it’s not what you think. Along with winning time of possession, the Wildcats are allowing opponents to convert third downs just 27% of the time. The rushing attack, time of possession and winning the third down battle should keep the Kentucky defense well rested throughout Saturday night’s game.
No fly zone
Everyone knows head coach Mark Stoops’ reputation of being a former defensive backs coach. During the winning streak, Kentucky has allowed an average of just 150 passing yards. Though the Wildcats secondary has only recorded one interception in the three game stretch, 150 passing yards per outing is nothing to sniff at. I look for Kentucky’s secondary to come up huge against the below-average quarterback play of Georgia.
Lap the opponent
The last key to victory for Kentucky is out-gaining Georgia. Through both the air and on the ground, Kentucky has averaged 481 yards per game while holding their opponent to just 343 yards. Though Georgia’s Nick Chubb is a force out of the backfield, I look for Kentucky’s defense to force them to become one-dimensional and widen the gap between the two offenses.
Kentucky plays Georgia at 7:30 P.M. at Commonwealth stadium on Saturday night. With a win securing a bowl game, I expect Kentucky fans to fill out the stadium and provide momentum for the Wildcats. If Kentucky exercises these five keys to victory, I can see them pulling out the W over the SEC foe.