:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52516385/12154556.0.jpeg)
The long-awaited bowl appearance for the Kentucky Wildcats is upon us, as Kentucky is preparing to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as the opening game on a full slate Saturday.
Both teams come in riding a wave of momentum. The Yellow Jackets are winners of five of their last six, including a 30-20 win over ACC Coastal Division Champion Virginia Tech. Kentucky won five of their last seven, including the win on the road against the rival Louisville Cardinals.
While most bowl games are more like exhibitions, a bowl win could prove to be quite valuable for the Wildcats. It would continue the impressive recruiting momentum the program has seen over the month of December, and would provide a great deal of momentum going into what could be a strong season for the Wildcats next year. Some even believe that a win could place the Wildcats in the Top 25 going into next season, which would be huge for the program.
However, the Yellow Jackets will be a tough matchup for the Wildcats. With their flexbone offense, the Yellow Jackets’ strength of their rushing attack bodes well going against the Wildcats’ weakness in rush defense. However, the Wildcats counter with a strong rushing attack and an improved aerial attack if Stephen Johnson can build off his huge performance against Louisville.
For Kentucky to win, they will need to grab the early lead and force Georgia Tech to become a passing team. If the Wildcats hold the lead at halftime, I think they will win this game. If it is tied or the Yellow Jackets hold a halftime lead, I think the final result will swing toward the Yellow Jackets.
All in all, most fans are simply pleased that Kentucky is even in the TaxSlayer Bowl but excitement around the program could reach a fever pitch if Kentucky were to win. It’s an exciting time to be a Kentucky Wildcats football fan.
Here is everything you’ll need to watch and follow the game.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-4, 4-4 in ACC) vs Kentucky Wildcats (7-5, 4-4 in SEC)
Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 31, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Jacksonville, Fla.
Stadium: EverBank Field
TV channel: ESPN
Live Online Stream: Watch ESPN
Radio: UK Sports Network
Rosters: Kentucky and Georgia Tech
Odds: Georgia opened as a 4.5-point favorite and are now favored by 3.5, according to OddsShark.
Live Stats: UK Athletics
Last year's game: Georgia 24, Penn State 17
Last year's attendance: 58,212
Teams with the most all-time appearances: Clemson and Florida (9)
Teams with the most all-time wins: Florida (7)
Predictions: TeamRankings project a 33-29 Georgia Tech win over Kentucky. NumberFire project a 28-23 win for the Yellow Jackets. OddsShark has Georgia Tech edging Kentucky by a 33-31 score.