UK vs Georgia

Kentucky fans may be on a bit of a high these days.  While the team has been disappointing offensively, they have been outstanding for the most part on defense and they’ve qualified for their third consecutive bowl. 

This is a goal that the Wildcats came into the season with.  It’s a big step as a program and a stepping stone for the future.

However, as the saying goes, the future is now.  Kentucky has Georgia this weekend in Commonwealth Stadium.  Georgia comes in licking their wounds after a throttling at the hands of the Florida Gators.  Georgia has been a mild disappointment this season.  They were expected to be the class of the SEC, but it appears they are no better than third on the totum poll behind Florida and Alabama.

The Bulldogs will come into this game looking to make a statement early, much like Florida did against Kentucky in Gainesville two weeks ago.  Kentucky will have to guard against the deep ball.  Georgia is the type of offense that comes in and jabs you with the run game and just when you think you’ve got them bottled up they hit you with the uppercut — the deep ball.

Matt Stafford is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, and Knowshon Moreno is the best back in the SEC.  With Massaquoi and AJ Green as deep threats, the Bulldogs can knock out an opponent with the big plays.

Kentucky has to get pressure on Stafford with the front four and find opportunistic situations to blitz.  Stafford is a pocket passer, and Kentucky’s defensive front four is among the best in the SEC.  The Wildcats should be able to pressure Stafford and if they can pressure him into tough throws, there’s a chance the Wildcats can force turnovers.

Offensively, Georgia isn’t a juggernaut.  They are in the bottom half of the conference in several major categories.  Kentucky’s offense is also in the bottom half of the conference in several major categories.  Kentucky will have to open the offense up and make plays that they don’t normally make to win this game. 

Special teams and field position will be big keys for Rich Brooks’ squad.

Prediction – Georgia 20 Kentucky 7