Linebacker DeAndre Square, right, and UK can prove SEC Network analysts wrong with their play this year. (UK Athletics Photo)
By Jordan Abrams, Contributing Writer
It’s FOOOOTTTTBBBBAAALLLL TIIIMMMEEEE IN THE BLUUUEEEEGRASSSSS!
After 8 months of patiently waiting, Kentucky football is BACK. Kentucky is ready to kickoff the season with pre-season MAC leader, the Miami (OH) Redhawk’s. The RedHawks are projected to be the best of the best in MACtion this season and a lot of people are expecting the Redhawks to give Kentucky all they can handle.
The Cats opened up as a 21-point favorite over Miami and that line has now dropped to only 16 points. So, Let’s break down the keys to victory for Kentucky to avoid an upset this weekend.
1. Put Pressure on Brett Gabbert
Yep, that name sounds familiar because Brett, is the brother of NFL Quarterback, Blaine Gabbart. Difference is? A lot of people feel Brett could be a better quarterback. Last season, Brett passed for 3600 yards and 32 touchdowns. Gabbert also only threw eight picks, so he is very consistent. Many are saying that the Miami offensive line is very good. The Redhwak offensive line is returning 4 starters to an offense that only allowed 21 sacks last season. If they can put pressure on Gabbert and make him get out of the pocket and panic a little bit, this should be an easy win for the Cats.
2. Kentucky Offensive Line Needs to be Great
Kentucky is basically starting fresh on the offensive line this week. Kentucky is returning Eli Cox and that’s about it for this game. Kenneth Horsey is out as he is a bit banged up, so several newcomers are stepping up. Many people feel great about Center and guard, as Eli Cox will anchor the line at Center and Auburn transfer guard, Tashawn Manning is anchoring right guard. Other than that, it is all new starters. I personally believe the Cats are set at O-Line. I believe Jager Burton is set to be huge for the cats this season and I also think David Wohlabaugh will be incredible at Left Tackle. Jeremy Flax at Right Tackle will be interesting to watch. This O-Line has to be able to protect their future 1st round draft pick, Will Levis and give him time. If the O-Line can keep Will Levis’ jersey clean, Kentucky should be able to have a great day on offense.
3. Running Backs Have to Step Up
So, Chris Rodriguez is out. What next? Personally, you must remember this RB room is absolutely loaded and I think the coaching staff was prepared for this when they picked up transfer RB, Ramon Jefferson. Kavosiey Smoke will get the start and has a lot of great experience as he has saw action in 34 games and has over 1300 rushing yards as a Wildcat. Miami’s defense is a veteran DL and having a guy like Smoke or Jefferson will be huge. Jefferson was an FCS All-American at Garden City CC and many believe he was the best RB in FCS last season. If Smoke and Jefferson can combine for 150 yards on the ground, I could see Kentucky running away with it.
4. Secondary has Something to Prove
If I am Florida, I am just studying Kentucky’s DB’s on film all next week. Everyone knows Kentucky lost a lot in the secondary but the rumors from camp are quite the opposite. Many coaches have praised the defensive backs by saying they are better than last year. Personally, I heard that transfer DB, Keidron Smith stepped up big time in camp and is expected to be very solid at the position. I also think Carrington Valentine looks to be playing with a new-found confidence in his game and I believe he is going to be the lockdown DB for the Cats defense this season. Once again, Miami has an incredible QB in Gabbert, so DB’s have to keep their head on a swivel and make plays. Every team in the country knows Kentucky is loaded for run defense, but I am hoping they prove that they can be a top-15 pass defense as well.
5. Play Kentucky Football
Honestly, the last key is easy. Kentucky needs to be Kentucky. The Cats have grown their brand and many people expect Kentucky to have a top-15 defense once again. Kentucky needs to have their stars on defense step up and just go make plays. When it comes to offense, run the ball down their throat and then play action with your future top-10 NFL draft pick, Will Levis. Kentucky has new speed at WR and a QB with a canon. Point is, GO MAKE PLAYS.
Words can’t describe how excited I am to watch this football team this season. I think Kentucky has potential to have their best season in my lifetime (27 years) and they have a schedule that makes it possible this year.
Prediction: Kentucky 42, Miami 10
OH YEAH! Here are my predictions for the regular season if you’re interested and want to mess with me a bit! Chat with me on Twitter @jordodavid.
Vs. Miami (OH): Win
@ Florida: Win
Vs. Youngstown State: Win
Vs. NIU: Win
@ Ole Miss: Loss
Vs. South Carolina: Win
Vs. Mississippi State: Win
@ Tennessee: Loss. I literally hate predicting a loss to Tennessee. I’m hoping I’m wrong.
@ Mizzou: Win
Vs. Vandy: Win (But I think Vandy is decent this year)
Vs. Georgia: Win. Yep, I think Kentucky Beats the Dawgs this year at home. It just feels right.
Vs. Louisville: WIN (LOL that I actually have to predict this one)
Prediction: 10-2
Yes, I actually believe that. Go Cats!
One Response
The Cats need to ake one game at a a time, work hard, prepare, then go compete lights out on every down. One game I have circled this year is the ugly Orange team in Knoxville. UK needs to get this "monkey" off their back in 2022. If they can beat Tennessee in Knoxville, I think they have a shot at beating Georgia. Lose to Tennessee and I’m not so confident in that 10 win season we all are hoping for.