The Kentucky football team will look to go 2-0 in SEC play this season when they take on the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday. No road game is ever easy in the toughest conference in the country. The Cats will have their hands full all game long with the Rebels.
By now, we all know the strengths and weaknesses of this Kentucky football team. Now let’s learn more about the opposition. To defeat the enemy, one must become the enemy. I’m going to survey the enemy territory and tell you 5 things you need to know about this Ole Miss football team.
5. Undefeated Rebels
Like the Wildcats, Ole Miss will come into this matchup at 4-0. The Rebs have yet to take on an SEC opponent but have taken care of everyone in their way, outscoring their opponents this season 164 to 40.
Kentucky has already experienced a rowdy SEC environment this season when the Cats took on the Gators in Gainesville just a few weeks ago. Kentucky understands the assignment that lays before them.
4. Jonathan Mingo
The Wildcats secondary should keep an eye on the budding star receiver for the Rebels, Jonathan Mingo. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Mingo is the highest-rated receiver on both sidelines for this matchup.
Mingo’s stat line isn’t a line that stands out compared to even those on the Wildcats sideline. However, the senior receiver has been almost automatic when it comes to catching the rock. On 18 targets this season, Mingo has 12 receptions for 257 yds and 1 TD. The Wildcats’ secondary hasn’t backed down from a challenge all season, and Mingo should be no different.
3. Jaxson Dart
The most critical position on a football field is the quarterback. Quarterback play can make or break any season for any team in the country. Sophomore USC transfer Jaxson Dart has been given the reigns of Lane Kiffin’s offense.
Dart’s numbers next to Wildcat’s QB Will Levis would have many believing that Dart isn’t much of a threat through the air. Through 4 games, Dart has posted 697 yds to go along with 5 TDs and 2 INTs.
I expect the Wildcats to use my favorite blitz package from playing NCCA College Football 14 and bring the house to pressure the young QB. A game that should spotlight the strong linebacker unit of the Wildcats’ defense.
2. Ole Miss Secondary
Limiting turnovers is one of the keys to getting a big conference win on the road. While the Ole Miss secondary hasn’t been tested by the likes of a QB like Levis, it just takes one mistake to turn the entire momentum of the game.
Ladarius Tennison, Miles Battle, and Deantre Prince are working on becoming a deadly corner unit for the Rebels and have shown that with their tackling abilities. The cornerback unit has only gathered one interception so far this season. Levis has a chance for a big day on Saturday.
1. Defensive Pressure
The Rebels are no strangers to getting in the backfield. The team has a combined 15 sacks on the year, a stat that should worry a team with a weak-performing offensive line like Kentucky. Protecting Levis will be the biggest key to a Kentucky victory on Saturday.