Kentucky Football: Five Keys To Defeating Mississippi State

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Oct 8, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Stephen Johnson (15) passes the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Stephen Johnson

It may have been acceptable on the road to three wins in four games, but Stephen Johnson can’t struggle anymore. He’s matched up against a dynamic quarterback in a must-win game for the Kentucky football program.

Whatever jitters may have existed before must be eliminated; the Wildcats need Johnson to be at his very best.

Johnson completed 17 of 22 passes for 310 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions against the New Mexico State Aggies. He also ran the ball 10 times for 51 yards during that 62-42 victory.

In the three games that have followed, however, he’s averaged just 91.0 passing yards per game—a dreadful mark for a starting quarterback.

Johnson ran the ball 10 times for 55 yards and a touchdown against Vanderbilt, but he needs better accuracy behind his throws. Kentucky has playmakers at wide receiver and tight end, but they won’t make much of an impact without somewhat precise throws coming their way.

Johnson needs to settle down and prove that his performance against New Mexico State wasn’t a fluke.

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Kentucky cannot afford to lose this game.

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