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Kentucky Football: Keys To Victory Against Southern Miss

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 21, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Boom Williams (18) celebrates with wide receiver Dorian Baker (2) during the game against the Charlotte 49ers in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Boom Williams (18) celebrates with wide receiver Dorian Baker (2) during the game against the Charlotte 49ers in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2015; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles defensive lineman Dylan Bradley (94) in the second quarter against the Austin Peay Governors at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles defensive lineman Dylan Bradley (94) in the second quarter against the Austin Peay Governors at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Protect The Quarterback

Kentucky football had trouble protecting the quarterback during the 2015 season. Offensive line coach John Schlarman has done an outstanding job of working with his players to become more consistent entering the 2016 campaign, but the results are still unknown.

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles certainly know how to get after the quarterback, which puts Kentucky in a tough spot.

The Wildcats have an improve offensive line, but it hasn’t yet put its improvement into motion in a game situation. It’ll be tested in a major way against a Southern Miss squad that racked up 32.0 sacks in 2015.

Southern Miss also came up with a respectable 13 interceptions, which combines to create a dangerous passing defense that will keep Kentucky honest.

Kentucky enters this game with a sophomore quarterback, Drew Barker, who has never been a full-time starter before. He received valuable playing time in 2015, but no player is ready until they’ve gained game experience.

Barker may need a half of football in order to get rid of the butterflies in his stomach, which means Kentucky needs to give him time in the pocket.

Next: Prevention

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