Kentucky defense ready for a dogfight

The SEC East division is on the line Saturday. To win it, Kentucky’s defense is going to have to contain another elite offense.

The Georgia Bulldogs have an offense that is ranked in the top third of the nation in several categories.

Georgia ranks 35th in total offense, 20th in points per game (38.6), and 27th in rushing yards per game.

When asked what Georgia’s offense does well, Kash Daniel posed the question “What doesn’t Georgia do?”

“They got really powerful backs. (Elijah) Holyfield and number seven (D’andre Swift) is more of a jump cut runner, but Holyfield will literarily try to run you over.”

Daniel went on to also praise Georgia sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm, who last year led the Bulldogs to overtime of the national championship game as a true freshman.

“Jake’s a great thrower,” Daniel said. “He can make plays with his arm and put it in a position where a lot of quarterbacks can’t fit the ball into.”

Defensive coordinator Matt House added, “He does a great job seeing coverages. You can tell he’s a smart kid who’s played a lot of football.”

Perhaps the most challenging task for Kentucky’s defense will be getting to Fromm and company in the backfield.

Georgia has earned the reputation of having one of college football’s most potent offensive lines.

Coach House called the Bulldog offense line “One of if not the most physical ones we’ve seen.”

“They’re ballers up front.” said linebacker Josh Allen, “They’re younger up front, but they play so hard, so that makes up for it, so we’re going to have a challenge up front, but I like our odds.”

With all of that said the same could be said about Kentucky’s defense.

The Cats’ defense is tied for first in the entire nation with No. 2 Clemson in points per game, rank 12th in total defense, 17th in rushing yards per game and 24th in passing yards per game.

The Cats did not surrender a first down in the second half of their 15-14 win over Missouri a week ago.

“That’s our standard. That’s what we expect every time we take the field,” Daniel said.

For many players, this will be the biggest game of their football careers.

“In high school, I played some pretty big games. In college, I’ve played some pretty big games; bowl games, and pretty big games in the regular season. But this definitely tops the list,” safety Mike Edwards said.

Daniel agreed.

“This is definitely obviously the biggest game I’ve ever played in. I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited.”

As for a message for the Big Blue Nation, Allen had this,:

“I want it to be the best the stadium ever heard. I want to hear it from miles away. I want every play to be rocking. I want false starts on their side. The crowd affects the games. When the crowd’s up, we’re up.”