The game of the year is here for the Kentucky Wildcats and all of Big Blue Nation. On Saturday night, the Wildcats will play host to the 12th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs.
With Kentucky aggressively trying to pack Kroger Field for the primetime showdown, the Wildcats will need the crowd (and then some) in order to pull off the upset.
While Kentucky has boasted an impressive and unexpected 3-0 start, including a historical upset win at The Swamp, the team they’ll face on Saturday is an entire different breed.
National champion & first year head coach Jimbo Fisher will bring in a veteran roster full of athletes on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs’ certainly have a dual-weapon at quarterback but also have one of the better defensive lines in all of college football.
While Kentucky’s offensive line was nearly perfect at Florida, their performance against a less-talented Murray State Racers team last Saturday was rather discouraging.
During his press conference on Thursday, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops put emphasis on winning the battle in the trenches. Stoops also said it will be significant to effectively run the football in aid to opening up plays downfield for quarterback Terry Wilson.
Wilson, who had a rough start to his Kentucky career against Central Michigan, has sprouted quickly in Kentucky’s system. His play at Florida was much improved from week one and was followed by a turnover-free game against the Racers.
Heisman Trophy candidate Benny Snell Jr. will need to have the game of his life, along with a sound, veteran defense keeping Fitzgerald & company off the field.
Las Vegas predicts a Mississippi State win in a high-scoring affair, but don’t be surprised if the defenses lock down the game early and Kentucky keeps it close.
Kentucky went to a hostile environment at The Swamp and walked out victorious. While the Gators aren’t on the same level as the Bulldogs, Kentucky will have a home field advantage and is definitely the healthier team.
A win for Kentucky would insert the Wildcats into the top-25 for the first time under Stoops, as well show the rest of the SEC that they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Kickoff is set for 7 PM EDT with coverage on ESPN2 and airing live on 106.5 WKDZ radio.