Kentucky’s Three Keys to Victory vs. Vanderbilt

levis-nov-24

(Vicky Graff Photo)

By Jordan Abrams, Contributing Writer

The Kentucky Wildcats are finally ranked again as they come in at No. 24 in the College Football Playoff Rankings after beating a tough Missouri Tigers team on the road. The team is very banged up, though, with quarterback Will Levis and the defense fighting injuries.

Kentucky is set to face SEC East foe Vanderbilt today at noon. Weather is calling for a mix of rain and snow with a high of 39 degrees. What better way to watch Kentucky get a quality SEC win over Vanderbilt than with some snow falling on Kroger Field?

Vanderbilt is banged up as well and is starting back-up QB Mike Wright. Kentucky is coming into this game as a 17.5-point favorite over the Commodores. Let’s get into what Kentucky needs to do to avoid an upset.

1. Score Fast and Set the Tone

Kentucky has struggled on offense over the last few games, but would be wise to have a fast start today. Vanderbilt is a team that teams have to get a big lead early or they can keep it close and give their opponent a scare. Vanderbilt played Missouri very tough and could have won that game. They have a quality win over Northern Illinois – a team that played Kentucky close in Lexington. Vanderbilt is giving up over 40 points-per-game, though, so Kentucky needs to take advantage of a bad defense. With Levis playing through a lot of injuries, Chris Rodriguez should have a big game and offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello could have a very conservative game calling plays. If Kentucky can score fast and get a good lead at half, Kentucky should get a second straight win with Kaiya Sheron possibly starting the second half at QB.

2. Put Pressure on Mike Wright

Many people believed Mike Wright was “the guy” for Vanderbilt heading into this season and certainly after the team’s first game of the year against Hawaii when the Commodores put up 63 points on the Rainbow Warriors. Though Wright is technically the back-up QB for the Commodores, he could very well be the best option for Vanderbilt under center. Wright is an elusive player and brings a whole new aspect to the Vanderbilt offense. In the first two games of the season, Wright was 31 of 50 for 391 yards through the air to go along with six touchdown passes. Wright also ran for 247 yards on 24 carries in those two games. Kentucky has to find a way to get pressure on him using their 4-down lineman and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. The Kentucky defense has been great against running quarterbacks this season and should be the against Wright, too.

3. Chris Rodriguez Needs a Big Game

Rodriguez has been incredible this season, just like always. He is averaging 4.9 yards-per-carry and has put the offense on his back a couple times already this year. Rodriguez rushed for 112 yards against Mizzou last week and had 197 yards on the ground against Mississippi State – both wins for Kentucky. Levis likely won’t be put into many passing situations this week, so Kentucky needs Rodriguez to have a great game. Kentucky’s offensive line has to keep improving and Rodriguez needs to just do what he does best. If he has 125+ yards this game then Saturday should be an easy win for Kentucky.

Kentucky should be able to run the ball all over Vandy’s poor rush defense and allow Levis to be on the bench, resting up for Georgia by the second half of today’s game. Kentucky just needs to stay healthy for their shot of an upset bid in Lexington next weekend. Kentucky covers the spread and wins easily in today.

Prediction: Kentucky 38, Vanderbilt 6

One Response

  1. A future first round NFL QB

    But for a 4 game suspension, the all time leading running back in UK football history

    A bevy of outstanding receivers

    All for Naught.

    An O line that is dysfunctional
    A Kicking Game that is dysfunctional
    Team that incurs penalties at just the wrong time

    Field goals, made or blocked rather than touchdowns

    Keys to winning.

    1) An O Line
    2) A kicking game
    3) Elimination of penalties that end UK possessions or extend opponent possessions.

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