Kentucky struggled to contain LaNorris Sellers in last week’s matchup with the Gamecocks. Kentucky found themselves down 17-0 in the second quarter. However, the Wildcats managed to battle back and tie it up to force overtime. It was then that head coach Will Stein decided to go for the win, as he drew up this play for Willie Rodriguez.
Now that Big Blue Nation has had time to recuperate from the Week 5 matchup against South Carolina, it’s now time to turn to LSU. The No. 10-ranked LSU Tigers are also 4-1 on the season and are coming off of a 63-14 victory over McNeese State. Head Coach Will Stein held his midweek press conference, where he addressed Saturday’s matchup against the Tigers.
When you look at the break down of the numbers, LSU outranks the Wildcats in every category from scoring offense all the way to explosive plays on defense, but it’s a good thing that games aren’t won on spreadsheets, they’re won on the turf.
I am fully aware that LSU could come into Kroger Field this week and absolutely beat the brakes off of Kentucky; however, I am just not sold on the idea that LSU is a top-10 team in the country. If you look at their schedule, they haven’t been as battle-tested as Kentucky has been thus far. Yes they have played Clemson, but they are not the same Clemson of past years. Then they have Louisiana Tech and McNeese State, and before I hear you say, “Well, Kentucky has Youngstown and South Alabama.” Yes, that’s true, but Kentucky has also hosted what appears to be a championship contender in Alabama and won two games on the road in really tough environments with Texas A&M and South Carolina.
All this to say, I really don’t think this is as big of a lop-sided matchup as many will say. Now, does LSU have more depth at several key positions? Yes, but I will put Kentucky’s starters that are out on the field week in and week out up against anybody right now. A few keys to the game are crucial for Kentucky’s chances for an upset win against the Tigers.
Kentucky will have to make it a priority to run the ball against this team. This is something that they struggled with against South Carolina and they will have to get back to this to open up the passing game. Secondly, Kentucky’s linebackers (who are heavily banged up) and secondary will have to show out because if they don’t, LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt could have a big night. Finally, Kentucky will have to take care of the football (as they have done so far this season) and manage to get a couple of turnovers themselves.
Ultimately, I do think Kentucky runs into a wall this weekend against LSU. I think it will be eerily similar to the Alabama game where they will be in it for the first half, but LSU runs away with it in the second half. LSU wins with a final score of 38-23.
Here’s how the rest of the Cats Coverage staff feels:
Tres Terrell: Kentucky 31, LSU 35 MVP – Kenny Minchey
Braden Nevius: Kentucky 31, LSU 42 MVP – CJ Baxter
Tim Smith: Kentucky 38, LSU 45 MVP – Willie Rodriguez
Wyatt Huff: Kentucky 20, LSU 37 MVP – Lane Kiffin
Nate Unthank: Kentucky 30, LSU31 MVP – Marcus Randall’s ghost
Tyler Russell: Kentucky 37, LSU 34 MVP – Kenny Minchey
Ethan Grantz: Kentucky 35, LSU 28 MVP – Kenny Darby
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