Game Day Links: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State University Bulldogs

Oct 12, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Javess Blue (8) scores a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Commonwealth Stadium.Alabama defeated Kentucky 48-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve gotta say, it’s pretty nice to see any of the matchups be deemed “advantage Kentucky” since there aren’t many teams in the SEC that we are better than in any respect. In fact, the Clarion Ledger’s scouting report makes one question why we even play the game.

"Scouting the Wildcats’ offense Scoring: 20.3 (105th) Total: 352.3 (101st) Passing: 201.5 (94th) Rushing: 150.8 (86th) The Buzz • Kentucky has one of the worst offenses in the Southeastern Conference and in the nation. Its 20 points per game is better than only 20 in the country and lowest in the conference. He’s the Man • Javess Blue, WR: On an offense that averages barely 200 yards per game, Javess Blue leads Kentucky with 24 catches for 319 yards and two touchdowns. Scouting the Wildcats’ defense Scoring: 29.3 (83rd) Total: 437.3 (93rd) Passing: 224.0 (53rd) Rushing: 213.3 (108th) The Buzz • Kentucky has been able to slow down opponents’ passing games, but in doing can’t stop the run. The Wildcats have allowed at least 200 yards rushing in four games this season. He’s the man • Avery Williamson, LB: The senior linebacker has 64 tackles this season, which is more than double any of his teammates."

And the “Keys to the Game” are seemingly the same every game and the sad truth is they should always be the same at this point.

"Be close at halftime So far this season, Mississippi State has sprinted from the gates in games but sagged to the finish line. Through six contests, the Bulldogs are averaging a robust 23.7 points a game in the first half, but only 6.8 points after halftime. The second quarter is especially a danger zone for Kentucky against State. So far this season, the Cats have been outscored 69-28 in period number two; MSU has buried its foes 86-34 in the second quarter. Contain a mobile QB Historically, Kentucky defenses have been all but helpless against quality dual-threat quarterbacks. MSU sophomore Dak Prescott has run for more than 100 yards three times this year and has accounted for 10 touchdowns (six rushing, three passing, one receiving) so far in 2013. If you are looking for a sign of a new day in UK football, watch if Mark Stoops and D.J. Eliot’s defense plays better against a mobile QB than has been Kentucky’s custom. Maximize Maxwell Jalen Whitlow’s ankle injury opening the door for pocket-passer Maxwell Smith to return as Kentucky’s starting quarterback could be a plus for UK. In its two SEC losses, Mississippi State has been strafed through the air. For the Wildcats to take advantage, it would help if Smith could throw Thursday night like the quarterback who averaged 322 yards a game passing in Kentucky’s first three games of 2012 — before injuries sidelined the California product for the season. THE MOOD Is both apprehensive and expectant. With Kentucky having finished a stretch of facing four straight ranked foes, the hope was the Cats could make some noise on the back side of their schedule — except those teams now look more formidable than in the pre-season. Still, Mark Stoops and Co. have a chance to end a four-game UK losing streak to Dan Mullen and MSU before an ESPN national audience. That would be a significant breakthrough for Stoops."