Kentucky Wildcats at Vanderbilt Commodores: Virtual Tailgate

Welcome to the Virtual Tailgate for the Kentucky Wildcats at Vanderbilt Commodores game today in Nashville. The Wildcats head down to the Music City on a 4-game losing streak, and three of those games have been blowouts where Kentucky was simply uncompetitive. Much of that has been on the offense, which has gone from reasonably explosive earlier in the season to anemic and frustratingly futile.

The goal all along this season has been to get back to a bowl game, and if that is to happen, Kentucky would be very well advised to find away to come away from Nashville with a win. The Wildcats must win two of their last three to achieve bowl eligibility, and while that is certainly doable with the opponents Kentucky has upcoming, it is very far from a sure thing.

But before we get into all that, let’s get our virtual feed-bag on. This is a tailgate, you know, and what good is a tailgate without food?

It’s cocktail hour. Today’s cocktail will be a simple classic:

Gin Martini

I have enjoyed this cocktail for years, and for a long time, it was my Friday after-work go-to. If you prefer vodka, we have that as well, along with some mixers for those who find martinis a little bit too… liquor-forward.

For the appetizer, something a little different:

Bruschetta alla caprese

Toast, fresh Mozzarella, basil and tomato. Simple. Classic. Delicious.

For our entrée today, we’re having a German classic on a bun:

Bratwurst and sauerkraut

My wife was born and lived in Germany until she was 12, and this is a dish I often enjoy without the bun. But since we are tailgating here…

For the side, something good and familiar:

Garlic mashed potatoes

Nothing fancy, just good hearty food.

Now, for the beer. For a meal like this, the beer is really important, and since we have kind a German theme for today, let’s go with:

Spaten Pils

Spaten is one of my very favorite German beers, and the Oktoberfest version is also really good. I have some in the refrigerator right now, in fact.

Finally, dessert, and what could possibly be more appropriate than:

German chocolate cake

To me, there is no better desert anywhere than this. It’s one of my favorites, and has been since I can remember.

Now that we’re fed, let’s move on to the game. This game, quite simply, is a must-win if Kentucky wants to make a bowl game. Unfortunately for Kentucky, Vanderbilt is very much better than many thought they would be. They’ve won only one fewer game than Kentucky, and took Florida to the wire last weekend in Gainesville.

Vandy is extremely offensive-challenged, but defensively, they are one of the better teams in the SEC. Obviously, that makes today’s game problematic, as Kentucky has not only struggled to score lately, but they have also had a hard time just getting first downs. Obviously, their competition has been really stiff over the last four games, and the step down in class may help them untrack the offense.

The big problem is that Vanderbilt has been tough at home all year. Virtually nobody has blown them out in Nashville other than Georgia before they lost Nick Chubb to injury. They did get crushed at Houston two games back, however, so the defense can be scored on by a prolific offense. It’s hard to call Kentucky’s offense prolific lately, though.

But hey, Patrick Towles has cut off all that hair, so maybe it will improve his vision and his nimbleness. What I’d really like to see improve, though, is the UK receiver’s hands and the offensive line’s pass protection.

Kentucky can win this game. Yes, they are in a rut, but they are due, and the competition is much less daunting than the last four. The Wildcats will have to step up their game to win even against the Commodores, but this is a place where the Wildcats actually have a shot. Vandy is favored by a field goal, but this game, based on recent events, is about as close to a pick-em as you’re likely to see.

Injury update

Vanderbilt

Player Name	Position	Injury	Status
Kyle Shurmur	QB	Concussion	Probable
Justin Skule	OL	Undisclosed	Out for season
Nigel Bowden	LB	Concussion	Out for season

Kentucky

Player Name	Position	Injury	Status
Jason Hatcher	LB	Ankle	Probable
Joey Herrick	WR	Undisclosed	Doubtful
Kengera Daniel	LB	Eye	Doubtful
Austin MacGinnis	K	Groin	Probable
Darius West	DB	Ankle	Questionable
George Asafo-Adjei	OL	Leg	Probable
Stanley Boom Williams	RB	Elbow	Probable

Don’t forget that after this game, it’ll be time to watch the basketball Wildcats take on NJIT after defeating the Albany Great Danes last night in Rupp Arena.