Kentucky Wildcat Football:Mizzou Preview
Nov 2, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Jalen Whitlow (2) passes the ball against the Alabama State Hornets at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky takes on Missouri today in matchup that has become part of a murderer’s row kind of schedule. The Tigers are yet another Top Ten opponent that the Wildcats are tasked with
in 2013, but this one comes as a surprise. The Tigers came into the SEC with a whimper last year, finishing with a losing record. But this year has been quite the opposite. Mizzou is in the driver’s seat to win the SEC East in just their second year in the league.
Maybe the most surprising thing about Missouri this season is their defense. They lost a few NFL draft picks over the offseason, most notably defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. But the Tigers are better as a team defense without the stars. They ranked 22nd in the country in scoring defense and have developed a fearsome pass-rush.
On offense the Tigers will be without starting quarterback James Franklin, but redshirt freshman Maty Mauk hasn’t missed a beat, displaying the same dual-threat abilities that Franklin has been touted for. Unfortunately Kentucky has struggled with mobile quarterbacks since time immemorial and the Cats defense will have their hands full with Mauk. Halfbacks Henry Josey and Russell Hansbrough have combined for more than 1100 yards so far this season. The receiving core is the biggest Kentucky’s smallish corners have faced all season.
It’s a tall order, but if the right Kentucky team shows up, this could be a game. Missouri’s only loss of the season came at the hands of the same South Carolina team that the Cats nearly beat in Columbia a month ago. If that Kentucky team shows up, then the Wildcats could give the Tigers fits. It will take contributions from players who haven’t added much so far this year, especially at receiver, where Ryan Timmons is expected to miss the game. Daryl Collins, who almost started over Timmons to start the year, needs to step up and make good on his immense talent. Sophomore AJ Legree has a chance to contribute with Alex Montgomery done for the year and the Cats needing a big possession receiver to step in.
If Kentucky wins this game though, it will likely be because of Jalen Whitlow. The sophomore signal-caller has been inconsistent this season, sometimes throwing darts and other times throwing knuckleballs. But if Whitlow is finally healthy, he could do damage against an over-aggressive Tiger pass rush. When Whitlow has a good game on the ground, his confidence grows and he throws the ball better. A running Whitlow also opens up the ground game for Raymond Sanders and JoJo Kemp on read plays. Knowing that Whitlow could pull the ball and take off for 50 yards can cause a defender to hesitate just enough to allow one of those backs to hit a seam.
There are only two home football games left counting this one, it’s starting to get cold and basketball season started last night. But this team needs fans in the stands today and against Tennessee later this month. Cold weather is the best for tailgating anyway. So if you are reading this, put down your phone, tablet or computer and come on out to the stadium and cheer for your Cats. They need every home field advantage that they can get.