The football Wildcats have had a chance to rest up and straighten themselves out over the last two weeks and will finish up preparation for Jacksonville State today and tomorrow before welcoming the Gamecocks into Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday. Kentucky will come into the contest trying to regain some confidence after four straight losses and Jacksonville State will come into the game after four straight victories.
What you really need to know about Jacksonville State:
The Gamecocks are a tough team and have done very well in FCS play so far this season. They are a throw back style of team and feature a run-oriented offense that has managed to pile up 1,268 yards this season and a run-stuffing defense that has held opponents to only 698 rushing yards through six games. The team’s weaknesses have been revolving around the passing attack, where they have only accumulated 928 yards through the air while allowing opponents to pass for 1,637 yards. Despite being outgained by opponents by an average of 23.5 yards per game, the Gamecocks have only committed 11 turnovers on the season and have forced 15. Their scrappy style of play has helped the team to a 5-1 record with their only loss being a defeat at Chattanooga in week two this year.
The Players you need to know for the Gamecocks:
#7 – Washaun Ealey – RB – Kentucky fans should remember Ealey well after he gashed the Cats for 5 touchdowns last season when he was at Georgia. After transferring to JSU, he has compiled 626 yards and five touchdowns this season. As the feature player for his team, Ealey is sure to get plenty of touches against the Wildcats.
#11 – Coty Blanchard – ATH – Normally the team’s starting quarterback would be listed as a quarterback here, but not Blanchard. Not only is he a dual-threat on the ground as well as through the air on offense, he is also the teams starting punter. He has passed for 860 yards, rushed for 244, scored nine touchdowns, and is averaging 35.8 yards per punt. His presence as the punter makes trick plays and fakes a real possibility this week. He’s also a stand out baseball player.
#93 – Jamison Wadley – DE – As a FCS-level player with FBS-level skills and size, Wadley has been a terror for offensive lines this season. He has accounted for 24 total tackles this season with 6 tackles-for-loss and one sack. He’ll probably look to get after Morgan Newton and Kentucky’s offensive tackles will have to be ready for him.
#51 – Rashad Smith – LB – As a do-it-all linebacker for Jacksonville state, Smith has been able to pile up some impressive stats. He has 39 tackles on the year with a TFL and a 22-yard interception return. Steering clear of the playmaking sophomore would be wise for the Kentucky offense.
Top 3 matchups to watch:
UK’s Raymond Sanders VS. JSU’s Rashad Smith
Sanders should be back to form after missing the last several weeks with an injury and will have to be able to take over the primary ball carrier duties now that Clemons has been lost for the season. Smith is an athletic linebacker that will have to be accounted for at all times, and will have a beeline on Sanders throughout the game. If Raymond can’t break free, Kentucky will be forced to rely on a passing game that has struggled this season.
UK’s Danny Trevathan VS. JSU’s Washaun Ealey
Kentucky has had some up and down performances against opposing team’s rushing attacks this season, but will need to step up against Jacksonville State. Ealey has proved he is a dangerous threat, but Trevathan has played better players this season. With a suspect passing game, stopping the run could very well determine Kentucky’s chances at a win on Saturday.
UK’s La’Rod King VS. JSU’s Jason Horton
King and his fellow receivers have been the whipping boys for the Kentucky offense’s struggles this season. After six straight rough outings, they will get a chance to play against a team that has really struggled in stopping the opposition’s passing game in Jacksonville State. Horton has been the team’s best cornerback and will probably draw King in coverage, and King’s ability to win this matchup could go a long way in getting the receivers back on track.
Potential breakout players:
#29 – Brandon Gainer – After coming to Kentucky with plenty of praise, Gainer has battled through injuries and other issues that have limited his ability to contribute so far this season. With Josh Clemons out for the remainder of the season, Gainer could get a chance to show why he was so highly regarded as a recruit.
#87 – Brian Adams – He’s big, he’s fast, and he’s finally healthy (according to the UK staff). If there was ever a game that he should be able to completely overpower opponents, it would be against Jacksonville State.
#97 – Mister Cobble – With the smallest offensive line Kentucky will face for the remainder of the season, Mister Cobble could have a field day against JSU. The defense’s ability to penetrate the offensive backfield and disrupt the Jacksonville State rushing game will be a key to Kentucky winning the game.
Key for a Kentucky win:
Stopping the running game is always a big part of any team’s gameplan, but it will be paramount this week. The Gamecocks have struggled mightily in the passing game and any team that stops their rushing attack will have the upper hand in the outcome of the game. The Wildcats cannot allow Jacksonville State to control the line of scrimmage and the game clock with the run. In addition, the Kentucky offense absolutely MUST put together some semblance of a passing game. Jacksonville State has excelled at stopping opponent’s rushing attacks and Morgan Newton’s ability to hit receivers and their ability to catch the ball will open up the Kentucky offense and allow the Cats to keep the balanced attack that the pro-style offense requires.
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