Kentucky Football: Five Ways To Defeat The Vanderbilt Commodores

Nov 14, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Derrick Baity (29) and teammate Kentucky Wildcats safety A.J. Stamps (1) tackle Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Trent Sherfield (10) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Derrick Baity (29) and teammate Kentucky Wildcats safety A.J. Stamps (1) tackle Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Trent Sherfield (10) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Middle Tennessee Blue during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Middle Tennessee Blue during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Contain Ralph Webb

The Vanderbilt Commodores may not be the best all-around offensive team in the country, but they play home to the most productive running back in the SEC. Ralph Webb is an absolute monster who’s well on his way to a second consecutive 1,000-yard season.

That’s terrible news for a Kentucky Wildcats team that’s been one of the worst in the nation at defending the run.

Webb is currently No. 1 in the SEC and No. 8 in the country with 582 rushing yards. That includes the 110 he ran for on 24 carries against the Florida Gators and the 211 he compiled on 29 attempts against the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.

Webb is also No. 3 in the SEC with five rushing touchdowns, which includes the three he ran for in a 31-30 overtime victory over Western Kentucky.

Webb ran for 1,152 yards and picked up another 188 through the air during the 2015 season, which implies his current success is far from a fluke. He’s a proven runner who can torch any and every defense that he encounters.

Considering Kentucky is allowing 198.6 rushing yards per game—No. 97 in the country—containing Webb must be the primary focus.

Must Read: The 2016 season will be on the line against Vanderbilt

If the Kentucky football team fails to limit Webb’s production, the downward spiral will continue in Week 6.