November 2006, Kentucky football had finally begun to see the dawn of a new day. Having gone 3-8 the year before, the program was cautiously on the balance of collapse or success. With a 4-4 record coming into the week against a ranked Georgia team, the game was to be a litmus test of where the program was going. One fan in attendance, an enterprising young senior to-be, had been talking about the game as a must win but largely a pipe-dream. Sparing details, Trevard Lindley intercepted it, and that student ran on the field (after he was sure we had won) and celebrated at the 50.
Fans of the Big Blue have rushed the field 3 more times since then, and while this week would not be a field rushing event, it would be another interesting marker in the history of Kentucky’s ascendancy. Since then it has been undeniable that Kentucky is on the rise, and Georgia has been on the decline; while Kentucky’s record is not much better than Georgia’s this year, this game can be another statement to the progress being made. Georgia has seem to find their stride again, in the form of a strong
two
one RB tandem and a stout defense. Let’s look at the in-game clashes this week:
UK’s maturity v. Georgia’s experience: Winning that game last week was huge, but we cannot keep playing our minds out in the second half for the dramatic victory; it didn’t pan out two weeks ago and it will fail us again. Georgia’s 18 seniors provide leadership at all levels, and UK has the potential for a huge hangover from such a win. This game will need our play maker’s to not only make plays, but inspire others to step up their play. Georgia started horrible but leadership spawns consistency and they have consistently improved, showcased by their beat down of the Vanderbilt Commodores.
UK’s run game v. Georgia’s run defense: Derrick Locke is out for another week, and the running game was not nearly as effective last week as the week before. Georgia only gave up 58 yards on the ground to Vanderbilt last week and they are only giving up 17 points per game on average as a unit. This potentially means that Mike Hartline might have to put another game on his back with the help of Randall Cobb (may his blessings be upon you, for the loyal are rewarded, so sayeth his Twitter), but I don’t know how many games like that Mike has in him (yes, I’m still sipping the Haterade). Maybe this will be the week that Randall decides to make his levitating abilities known.
UK’s secondary v. Georgia’s pass offense- First, the most obvious statement. AJ “Yeah, This Is For Sale” Green cannot be covered by just a corner or safety. You need to stack secondary players on him and make sure he does not blow you up. Even though he missed a few games to start the season, he’s already back to 3rd in receiving yards and matches the other top two receivers in touchdowns combined. Caleb King’s suspension means there will be one less running back threat and one more opportunity to cover AJ Green with a safety. If we can bottle Green, we can win this game.
The fact is the biggest part of pulling off another win this week is to come out early and play the first half as well. Bottling Green should be our main focus, and if we can pull that off we have a very legitimate shot. Georgia has looked solid however and you can’t undersell the defense or the offensive line. I’m going with the Cats this week, because I have hope that this next corner turned will be to the top half of the SEC East. Final prediction UK-28 UGA-24
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