Freshman receiver Dane Key is wearing a brace on his wrist this week but said Tuesday he should be fine for Saturday night's game. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky has given up 25 sacks in six games and has scored only 33 points total in the last two games. And now UK coach Mark Stoops says that Mississippi State’s defense “gives a lot of people fits” going into Saturday night’s game at Kroger Field.
The Bulldogs have a 3-3-5 defensive alignment that has produced 12 turnovers — eight interceptions, four fumbles — that have led to 33 points. Defensive Zach Arnett’s unit has at least one takeaway in 24 of 30 games he has coached at State and has 30 interceptions in those 30 games. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbest has 12 career interceptions, including three in the last two games.
“They create a lot of havoc on a lot of people. They do a nice job with it. I think they’re very comfortable, they have great experience, I think Zach mixes it up and I think their team can handle it,” Stoops said.
“They adjust and make calls based on formation sometimes and what you’re doing. They’re efficient at what they’re doing, so anytime they’re in that kind of configuration they can bring a lot of havoc in a lot of different ways and they have again.”
That could lead to Kentucky going back to a more run-oriented attack featuring Chris Rodriguez. He has played two games since returning from a four-game suspension and had 126 yards last week against South Carolina
Stoops said Rodriguez is getting back used to playing.
“I think the anxiousness in the game, the breathing, the things that go on, you can’t replicate that no matter how great a shape you’re in. I think that’s the difference in playing games or not. He’s in great shape,” Stoops said.
“It’s a matter of feeling that pressure and feeling the breathing, seeing the holes, that type of thing. And, of course. you get better with the more reps you have.”
Stoops said Rodriguez probably needed more than five carries in the second half last week but South Carolina kept the ball too much and then built a 17-point lead.
“He ran it four times, then the game’s out of touch after that. We utilized him how we needed to in the first half, I wish the fumble didn’t happen, there’s some things I wish you could do over, but we were using him and getting that five yards and six yards,” Stoops said.
“I think it’s plays and team, that’s going to put you in that position.”
