Can UK defense hold up physically against Georgia better than it did in 2018 showdown?

Kentucky's defense is highly ranked nationally but can it hold up against unbeaten Georgia Saturday night? (Vicky Graff Photo)

Kentucky has lost 11 straight games to Georgia, including the last eight with Mark Stoops as head coach. Now the No. 11 Cats get another chance to end that streak when they play at No. 1 Georgia Saturday afternoon. Both teams are 6-0 and playing for the SEC Eastern Division lead just like they did three years ago in Lexington.

The Bulldogs pummeled then No. 9 Kentucky in that 2018 game. Sixth-ranked Georgia built a 28-3 lead and won 34-17 by averaging 6.6 yards per try and running for 331 yards against a UK defense led by national player of the year Josh Allen along with these future NFL  players — Mike Edwards, Lonnie Johnson, Chris Westry, Quinton Bohanan, Phil Hoskins, and Calvin Taylor.

Can Kentucky’s defense hold up better this time?

Kentucky ranks 19th nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 17.5 points per game. Of course, Georgia is allowing 5.5 points per game.

The Wildcats only allow 111 rushing yards per game to rank 28th in the nation. Kentucky is giving up 193 passing yards per game, the nation’s 29th best mark.

“They definitely have a strong defensive line. They bring back a lot of experience which is going to be a challenge for us,” Georgia tight end John Fitzpatrick said. “Last year’s game was physical. I think I saw that on my first drive, I think it was a 10-play drive match down the field, running the ball probably eight or nine times. It is going to be another physical one come Saturday.”

Georgia outmuscled UK in 2018 by often using two tight ends and running straight at the Kentucky defense to neutralize the Cats’ speed. Stoops said Georgia freshman tight end Brock Bowers is “impressive” along with others.

“It just puts stress on you anytime that position (is involved) because they are good everywhere. When you are physical and have the backs that they have and the wideouts that can hurt you outside. You pick your spot, they will put stress on you,” Stoops said.