Mark Stoops (Vicky Graff Photo)
Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner got national attention last week for a hit on LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels in Alabama’s 42-28 win that knocked the quarterback out of the game.
This Saturday Turner will be at Kroger Field trying to help Alabama beating UK and Kentucky coach Mark Stoops knows how disruptive he can be.
“He’s definitely a guy that can wreck a game very quickly. He’s a guy that you have to account for,” Stoops said Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference. “We’ve got to be very smart with our protections.
“Quarterback’s got to be smart with holding onto the football and making sure we’re not holding onto it too long. He’s a guy that can change it in a hurry. So yeah, you’ve got to be very conscientious of where he’s at and try to have a great plan for him.”
Quarterback Devin Leary is expected to play for Kentucky after being taken out of last week’s win at Mississippi State because of “blurry vision” after a hit in the third quarter. Leary has thrown for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns with 7 interceptions this season and has over 8,000 career passing yards.
Stoops said Alabama’s secondary won’t make it easy on Leary and UK’s offense, either. Stoops called the Alabama secondary “really special” like it is most years.
“Seems like it’s year-in and year-out with Bama, always having high picks. And even with the addition of Downs, the freshman just adds another level,” Stoops said. “I think their nickel is a fantastic player as well in Moore, and you know their corners can always cover. Just really a tremendous group.”
Kentucky’s passing game has been better the last few games. Stoops said it starts with better protection for Leary.
“The receivers and the quarterbacks, they’ve been working hard. Just starting to see the results, just trying to be more detailed, making sure we’re on the same page and just executing at a higher lever,” Stoops said.
“I think part of it is we have a couple young wide outs (Dane Key, Barion Brown) that are really working hard to mature and get better and you’re starting to see that growth on the field.”
The matchup between Kentucky (6-3) and Alabama (8-1) will be at noon Saturday on ESPN.
