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Kentucky Football: How To Defeat New Mexico State Aggies

By Maxwell Ogden

Sep 10, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops looks on against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops looks on against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles running back George Payne (24) runs the ball against Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Jordan Jones (34) in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Southern Mississippi defeated Kentucky 44-35. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles running back George Payne (24) runs the ball against Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Jordan Jones (34) in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Southern Mississippi defeated Kentucky 44-35. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defend The Run

There’s a sense of optimism as it pertains to the pass defense turning things around in 2016. Not as much faith is being placed in a run defense that’s allowed at least 200 yards in each of the first two games.

The New Mexico State Aggies lack an elite running game, but if the first two weeks are a sign of things to come, Kentucky needs at least one outing during which it stops the run.

Kentucky allowed 262 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Two players, Ito Smith with 173 and George Payne with 100, picked up at least 100 yards on the ground.

Southern Miss quarterback Nick Mullens also ran for two touchdowns, thus exposing Kentucky near the goal line.

In Week 2, Florida Gators running back Lamical Perine ran for 105 yards on 17 carries. Mark Thompson ran for 59 yards and a touchdown, Jordan Scarlett picked up 43 yards and a touchdown, and Florida ran for 244 yards total.

Against New Mexico State and all other opponents, Kentucky must find stability against the run.

Next: The Quarterback

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