To say Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops and his team have exceeded expectations in 2018 would be an understatement.
With a new quarterback under center, followed by losing starting left tackle Landon Young before the season, Kentucky’s offense hasn’t exactly been a well-oiled machine.
However, behind one of the country’s top defenses, along with arguably the best running back in the South Eastern Conference, the Wildcats managed to post their greatest regular season win total in the Mark Stoops era.
Despite reaching eight wins, the season still isn’t over. On Saturday, the Wildcats will lace up their cleats for their regular season finale against the Louisville Cardinals. With the Governor’s Cup on the line, Kentucky will look to send their seniors off on a high note but also solidify their position for an appearance in a popular bowl game.
While the Cardinals have owned the Governor’s Cup of late (winning six of the last seven matchups), Kentucky managed to win as 28-point underdogs the last time they stepped foot into Papa John’s Stadium. On Saturday, the Wildcats will be 17-point favorites over a 2-9 Louisville team that not only lost Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson in the offseason but also fired head coach Bobby Petrino during the season.
Against a 124th-ranked rush defense, running back Benny Snell has a legitimate chance to gain 207 yards and break the program’s all-time rushing record. If not then, he’ll also have the team’s bowl game to do so before he most-likely departs for the NFL.
Louisville’s offense hasn’t been much better, ranking 105th in the country. Despite giving up nearly 400 yards a week ago, standout seniors such as Derrick Baity, Jordan Jones, Josh Allen and Mike Edwards should lead Kentucky’s strong suit in dominant fashion.
No matter the sport or level of competition, rivalry games usually bring out the best of both teams. Although the Cardinals have had a rather disappointing season, expect a competitive football game early on.
However, Kentucky’s edge in coaching, motivation and overall talent should allow them to pull away to comfortably win.
Kick-off is set for 7 P.M. EDT on ESPN2.