KEYS TO A KENTUCKY

VICTORY:

1) Offense continues what worked last week.

Last week the offense under Randall Cobb formed an identity, gained confidence, and nearly upended a once championship hopeful Georgia Bulldog team. The offense needs to stick with last week’s game plan. Run, run, and more run. The option offense seems to be working for the Cats and needs to be ran efficiently against the overall sack leaders in the SEC- Vanderbilt.

2) Defense needs to play better.

The defense began the season with stellar play. Statistcally after four weeks, they were in the top 10 nationally in total defense. But after being called upon too many times to WIN games, the Cats have become riddled with injuries. The KEY INJURIES with in the front seven of the defensive unit, has been exploited. Teams are running on average 128.6 yards per game. IT IS A MUST for Kentucky to stop the Commodores rushing attack. ALSO crucial for the defense, is to not allow the Commodores in the redzone. Vanderbilt has a seasonal success mark of 90% in the redzone. With an anemic offense, that is still working to get better, the defense must limit points.

3) Special Teams, Mistake free.

After a season of issues with the return game, field goals, and punts last week the Kentucky Wildact special teams unit was nearly flawless. The SPECIAL TEAMS must once again play flawless and limit mistakes. The weather will likely be a major factor and therefore the special teams must be extremely careful with the football.

PROJECTION-

The Cats have won 4 straight over the Commodores, BUT each of the past four games have been decided by less and less points as the years have gone on. Vanderbilt nearly defeated the Wildcats in Nashville last season but fell late. This year Vanderbilt received a lot of early season hype but has lost their last four and are in danger of missing the bowl season once again. Vandy is desperate for a win and is coming into the Commonwealth hungry for a win. The hunger Vandy has will keep this game close, BUT Kentucky’s offense came to life last week and on Senior Day emotions will be running high. Kentucky should SQUEEK OUT A NARROW VICTORY and ensure a greater bowl than the past few year.

KENTUCKY 13

VANDERBILT 10