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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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Dec 5, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Nick Mullens (9) carries the ball away from Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Wonderful Terry (5) during the first half of the Conference USA football championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Nick Mullens (9) carries the ball away from Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Wonderful Terry (5) during the first half of the Conference USA football championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Contain Nick Mullens

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have talent across the board. What makes Southern Miss the threat that it is, however, is one player who can take over games like few others can: starting quarterback Nick Mullens.

According to Joe Mussatto of SEC Country, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops had nothing but praise for Mullens.

"“I don’t think there’s any doubt. We’ll face some very talented quarterbacks, that’s for sure, but I have great respect for this kid. He is very good, very poised, you can tell he has great vision.”"

Power conference or otherwise, Mullens is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Kentucky has a talented defensive backfield that features two of the best cornerbacks in the country. Chris Westry and Derrick Baity are sophomore corners with great size, athleticism, and instincts.

The injury to Darius West has complicated things in the secondary, however, which puts significant pressure on a second-string safety to perform.

Mullens finished the 2015 season with 4,476 passing yards, 38 touchdowns through the air, and 12 interceptions. He ran for two touchdowns, had 10 games with at least 300 yards, and threw for 447 yards against Nebraska.

Mullen can take over and dominate games in an absolute hurry. Kentucky will have its hands full.

Next: The Key

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