Game To Watch: #11 Kentucky at #1 Georgia: October 16, 2021

Kentucky will travel to Athens to take on Georgia in a battle of undefeated teams on Saturday at 3:30 EST. The Wildcats beat LSU 42 – 21 last week to run their record to 6 – 0 overall and 3 – 0 in the SEC. The Bulldogs went on the road to take down Auburn, 34 – 10, reaching 6 – 0 with another dominant win. The SEC East foes will attempt to take sole possession of the SEC East lead with a win on Saturday.

Recent History

Georgia has dominated Kentucky through their history with a 60 – 12 record against the Wildcats. That impressive record includes an 11 game winning streak since 2010. Georgia won a defensive battle in last year’s match-up 14 – 3 in Lexington. The Wildcat’s last win came in 2009, a 34 – 27 win on the road in Athens.

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What To Watch For…

How Will Kentucky’s Offensive Line Hold Up?

Kentucky’s offensive line has been a strength for the team and the foundation of the Wildcat’s offense. They have been solid in pass protection allowing just 1.7 sacks per game so far this season. The line has been excellent blocking for the running game, paving the way for the team to average 5.5 yards per carry and for Chris Rodriguez to lead the SEC in rushing yards and rushing yards per game. With Darrian Kinnard and Luke Fortner leading the way, Kentucky’s offensive line has kept their quarterback upright and opened up holes in the running game, but they will face their toughest test of they year on Saturday. The Bulldogs have been next to impossible to score against, giving up a mere 5.5 points per game and 3.6 yards per play. Their defense has recorded 22 sacks and 49 QB Hurries through the first six games of the season. Georgia’s defense is led by their defensive front which features three defensive lineman that have been impossible to block this year. Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Devonte Wyatt have created havoc and eaten up blockers making it easy for the athletes behind them to pursue the football and make plays. Kentucky’s offensive line will have to control the line of scrimmage against as dominant a front as their is in college football to win on Saturday.

Can Kentucky Force Georgia’s Offense Out of it’s Comfort Zone?

Georgia has not been pressed to score this year because their defense keeps the other team in check all game. With JT Daniels out, the passing game has averaged 151.5 yards per game the last two games. The Bulldogs threw the ball better against Auburn than they did against Arkansas but they still used the running attack to set up the pass. Georgia has run for over 200 yards the last three weeks and is very comfortable taking care of the ball and letting their running attack wear down the defense before taking shots in the passing game. The strategy works because they keep their defense rested and let them force the opponent into mistakes that they can capitalize on. Obviously, the best way Kentucky can put pressure on Georgia is to score early, but that’s a tough ask against a great Georgia defense. The Wildcats will need their defense to force three and outs early to get Georgia’s defense on the field more so they could wear them out. Kentucky has held opponents to 3.4 yards per rush and 5.8 yards per pass attempt this year. If they can get a lead and stop the running game they may force Georgia to take more chances in the passing game than they want to, forcing Georgia into the kinds of mistakes that can change a game. It’s a tall task, but if Georgia is allowed to dictate how the game is played, they will keep rolling.

Can Will Levis Make Enough Plays in the Passing Game?

Georgia’s defense has made quarterbacks miserable this year. The Bulldogs have held opponents to a 50 percent completion percentage and 5.1 yards per pass attempt, allowing just 1 touchdown pass while intercepting 8 passes. Georgia has intercepted at least one pass in five of six games this year and have held three of their six opponents under 100 yards passing. Making big plays in the passing game is not only tough to do, but most teams end up giving more big plays to the Georgia defense than they make against them. Kentucky’s offense is more balanced than it has recently been thanks to Will Levis’ emergence at quarterback. Levis has completed 64 percent of his passes and averaged 8.4 yards per attempt with 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this year. He has connected with transfer receiver Wan’Dale Robinson for several big plays through the air. The key for Levis will be to make those big plays against the defense without the turnovers that set Georgia’s offense up with good field position. Levis will have to make the big plays while eliminating the mistakes for Kentucky to score enough to win this game.

Prediction

Kentucky will attempt to control the pace of the game and try new wrinkles to get their running game going early in the game. Georgia may get fooled once or twice, but it is difficult to envision Kentucky consistently running the ball against the Bulldogs. Georgia will score enough early to put pressure on Kentucky and force them to take chances, which will only lead to big plays for the Georgia defense and a comfortable win for the Bulldogs. Georgia 34 Kentucky 13.

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