1. The Kentucky football team must run the ball efficiently and effectively
This is the key in most cases when it comes to Kentucky football. Being able to run the ball effectively helps keep the explosive Tennessee offense off the field. The Kentucky rush offense completely shifted once running back Chris Rodriguez returned. In his four-game absence, Kentucky averaged 2.4 yards per carry and graded out as the 116th rush offense per PFF.
The return of Rodriguez now has Kentucky graded out as the 67th rush offense. For Kentucky to pull the upset, they will have to lean heavily on Rodriguez. He is coming off a near 200-yard game against a pretty good Mississippi Rebels defense and looks to be only getting better. Controlling the clock, moving the chains, and limiting possessions all are key factors in Kentucky being able to be successful on Saturday night. This all starts with the rush attack led by Rodriguez.