Kentucky Wildcats Football vs Mississippi State Bulldogs: Keys to the game
By Kyle
The sour taste of reality is still lingering after last week’s thrashing at the hands of LSU. Most folks thought the Tigers would win, but few saw the complete domination that occured over a surging Kentucky team. The Kentucky Wildcats Football team will attempt to regroup and get back on track this week. The only problem, is that they will welcome in the number one team in the country for their bounce – back game. This certainly isn’t the same old Mississippi State team we have been used to over the last several years.
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
When Mississippi State had the ball:
I’m not saying Dak Prescott is Tim Tebow, but he’s pretty close. Built like a tight end with the speed and moves of a running back, Prescott is a load to take down. Honestly, he’s probably a much more dangerous runner than Tebow was in the same offense. The problem for the Bulldogs, is that Prescott isn’t a great passer, or at least MSU doesn’t ask him to be. He’s certainly not a bad quarterback and is substantially more accurate than your typical running threat, but the Bulldog offensive passing game is built around the run and using it to set up the big play. No dink and dunk here. Of MSU’s 16 players that have caught a pass this season, a whopping 12 are averaging over ten yards per catch. They also spread the ball around well as 9 different players have scored receiving touchdowns. While the passing game isn’t the focus of the offense, it’s efficient and deadly. But that’s only after the Bulldogs bull-doze you with a combination of Prescott and running back Josh Robinson. The two account for over 200 rushing yards per game and have yet to be stopped this year.
In short, the Mississippi State offense is as simple as it gets, but excellent execution makes it nearly impossible to stop.
Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
When Kentucky has the ball:
The Mississippi State defense is very good, but they’re not the best defense in the conference by a long shot. Statistically they appear to be an insurmountable task for Kentucky’s running backs, but a closer look at their games this season indicates a slightly different narrative. Opponents get down so eary, that many have to abandon their running game early to try and get back into contention. The Kentucky backs’ success will likely depend on the offensive line’s ability to make holes between the tackles. The Bulldogs’ linebackers are fast enough to close very fast, so avoiding slow developing outside runs are unlikely to be effective. It’s hard to say which Kentucky passing game will show up, but the Wildcats could find success through the air if the team comes in sharp. If they don’t, the Bulldog defensive backfield will light up the receivers in addition to picking off passes. A steady and balanced attack is probably the most effective strategy this week. Maybe more important, keeping the defense off the field will be crucial, so three and outs can’t happen.
Outcome:
I would love to tell you that I think the Wildcats will pull this one out, and they honestly can. If the squad that played Florida and South Carolina like they belonged in the SEC shows up, I think Kentucky wins. If the confused and disheveled group that was throttled by LSU shows up, it may be blow out city two weeks in a row. Here’s hoping the team shows up and plans on avenging their awful showing.
UK 31 – MSU 30