Despite a 7-1 record that has the 12th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats in control of their SEC East destiny, the team appears to still have something to prove.
Kentucky is a sizable underdog on the road at the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, a team of which is not ranked in the AP-Top 25. However, it’s also not the first time the oddsmakers have viewed the Wildcats’ opposition as the superior football team.
Kentucky has been favored in just one SEC matchup this season, which was last Saturday’s home game against the sub-.500 Vanderbilt Commodores. However, that hasn’t held the team back from establishing a 7-1 record and five consecutive weeks in the AP-Top 25.
Despite their Heisman Trophy candidate at running back, along with their second-ranked scoring defense in the country, Kentucky’s legitimacy (according to some) still remains “up in the air.”
While Wilson’s 7-1 record as a starter is indisputable, his production from under center hasn’t necessarily been the leading candidate for Kentucky’s success. However, head coach Mark Stoops made it clear throughout the week that he remains confident in Terry Wilson’s abilities.
Stoops also said that he has confidence in his other quarterbacks, hinting that more than just Wilson could see the field on Saturday.
This doesn’t come as a shock (and might be overdue) as Wilson has statistically been the worst quarterback in the SEC. In fact, he’s coming off a home game against the 103rd-ranked Commodores’ defense of which he passed for just 18 yards on nine attempts.
Though it’s rational to believe Wilson is attempting to manage a clean, efficient game, moving the ball downfield is a must on the road against quality SEC teams. For example, aside from a hand-off that was technically counted as a shovel pass, Wilson passed for just 54 yards in Kentucky’s lone loss at Texas A&M.
Backup QB Gunnar Hoak has shown flashes from under center, but the jury remains out until he plays more than a handful of snaps. He might, though, receive a chance to prove himself if Wilson’s struggles continue.
After all, Kentucky likely won’t see a defense like this year’s again for decades and Snell’s return for a senior season is just as unlikely. If there were a time for the Wildcats’ to put their chips in the middle, it’s now.
Kentucky’s defense will have their hands full with Tigers QB Drew Lock, as he leads the nation’s 12th-ranked scoring offense. Snell will face his challenges as well, squaring off against the Tigers’ 34th-ranked rush defense.
Kentucky’s advantage on Saturday will be through the air, as Missouri ranks just 122nd at defending the pass. If there was ever a time for Wilson (or Hoak) to build confidence before Kentucky’s matchup with Georgia, it’s Saturday.
Kickoff is set for 4 P.M. EDT on SEC Network.