As we continue on through the 2011 season, Kentucky will invite Ole Miss into Commonwealth Stadium next. Kentucky is coming off of a tough loss to Mississippi State where the Cats started out slow before showing signs of life in the second half. Ole Miss will come to Lexington after a tough 21-23 loss to Auburn on the road. Both teams have more than a few question marks and both Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips and Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt are beginning to feel their seats heat up.
What you really need to know about Ole Miss:
The Rebels have had some of the same issues that Kentucky has faced this year and have struggled almost as badly on offense as the Cats. While UK is ranked 118 of 120 teams in the FBS division in total offense, Ole Miss isn’t far behind at number 115. The rebels also rank as the #93 team in the country in rushing offense ( UK is up to #78), #105 in passing offense and #103 in scoring offense. So, as bad as Kentucky has been this season, Ole Miss has never been too far behind. On the other hand, the Ole Miss defense has struggled as bad as UK has this season, and in many cases, they’ve been worse. The Rebels are very likely to try to establish an early running game with Jeff Scott and Brandon Bolden (if he’s recovered from an ankle injury). The injection of Randall Mackey into the starting lineup gives the Rebels another rushing threat from the quarterback position capable of attacking the UK defense in a similar manner to how Jeremiah Massoli was utilized last season. Defensively, the Rebels are a scrappy team that will look to force a turnover at any moment possible. While the unit has been susceptible to the run this season, they have struggled equally against passing teams.
The players you need to know for the Rebels:
#3 – Jeff Scott – RB – This 5’7 sophomore has been a spark-plug for the Rebels this season and has filled in for Brandon Bolden after he was hobbled by an ankle injury. With a playing style similar to a guy like Darren Sproles of the Saints, Scott is a dangerous threat running the ball as well as coming out of the backfield as a receiver.
#1 – Randall Mackey – QB – The Rebels knew they were going to have to replace Massoli this season and after Zach Stoudt failed to get the job done early in the year, the reighns were given to junior college transfer Randall Mackey. He’s been more of a threat to run than to pass so far this season, but he has thrown five touchdowns this year.
#3 – Charles Sawyer – CB – Kentucky has played some good defenses, but Sawyer will actually be one of the best corners that the team will have faced this season. Sawyer has four interceptions on the year and is averaging 25.2 yards per return.
#7 – Wayne Dorsey – DE – The monstrous Dorsey is a handful for any lineman and is sure to give Kentucky’s tackles trouble. At 6’6 and 270 pounds, he is able to not only effectively disrupt plays in the backfield, but also presents a huge obstacle to throw over for opposing quarterbacks. He has 5 tackles-for-loss, 3 sacks, 2 tipped passes, one interception (returned 27 yards) and a forced fumble on the year.
Top 3 matchups to watch
UK’s Danny Trevathan VS. UM’s Randall Mackey
Trevathan had 17 tackles and an interception last week, and this week will be charged with stopping another dual-threat quarterback in the mold of Mississippi State’s Chris Relf. Mackey is a little faster than Relf, but Trevathan still has the wheels to keep up. If he can keep Mackey from breaking lonf runs and picking up third downs, he can stall the Ole Miss offense.
UK’s La’Rod King VS. UM’s Charles Sawyer
In what should be a great matchup, La’Rod King will have almost a half of a foot height advantage over Sawyer. Even considering that, the battles between king and Sawyer will likely determine what type of game Maxwell Smith or Morgan Newton have this week. If Smith starts, he won’t be able to lock on to King this week the way he did Roark last week, or Sawyer will add to his interception totals.
UK’s Ridge Wilson VS. UM’s Bobby Massey
A linebacker taking on an offensive tackle is seldom considered a prime matchup, but this week is a little different. Ole Miss has a huge offensive line and what the have in size, they lack in athleticism. While the Rebels are game planning around Danny Trevathan, Winston Guy, Mister Cobble, and Donte Rumph, Ridge Wilson should have seeral one-on-one matchups with Massey. If Massey can get into Wilson’s body, it’s game over, but if Ridge can keep seperation, he could be in for a big game.
Potential breakout players
#11 – Maxwell Smith – QB – This one is pretty obvious. It’s looking more and more like Morgan Newton will not be the starter for Ole Miss and Smith will get his shot. He played well in the second half of the Mississippi State game, and will be expected to carry that over into this week’s contest.
#25 – Jonathan George – RB – After losing Josh Clemons for the season, then seeing Raymond Sanders continually injured, then seeing CoShik Williams go down with an injury this week, George will get his shot. He will need to be impressive early and pick up the tough yards for the Cats or Brandon Gainer will be chomping at the bit to step in.
#48 – Ridge Wilson – LB – I’ve listed Wilson in the matchups to watch as well, but I really think he’s in for another big game. Almost the forgotten linebacker, he’s done a great njob of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks even if he’s struggled to get as many sacks as I’m sure he would like. I think he’s in for a big week.
#3 – Matt Roark – WR – After spending the beginning of the season as the poster-child for all the things wrong with this team, Roark stepped up and had a career game against Mississippi State. If he can build on that performance, he can use his 6’5 frame to wad off defensive backs and have another big game.
Key for a Kentucky win:
In any game, turnovers are a big part of who wins and loses, but this week it’s even bigger for the Cats. With every indication pointing to Maxwell Smith starting at quarterback for Kentucky, the offense will need to hold onto the ball to help give him a shot. If the Kentucky defense can force their own turnovers and give the offense a short field to work with, this game should be a UK win. If the Cats continue to give their opponent the ball like they did early in the year, Kentucky may not see a fourth win at all.
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