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3 goals for Kentucky football vs Vanderbilt… And a prediction!

By Richard Laird

Sep 16, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats offensive lineman Eli Cox (75) celebrates with running back Ray Davis (1) after Davis scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Akron Zips at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats offensive lineman Eli Cox (75) celebrates with running back Ray Davis (1) after Davis scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Akron Zips at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky football (3-0) travels to Nashville, Tennessee to face the Vanderbilt Commodores (2-2) on Saturday at noon in their SEC opener. Below are three goals for Kentucky as well as my prediction for the outcome of the game.

1. Win the turnover battle

It may be one of the most common things said in football, but going into SEC play, against a dangerous Vanderbilt offense currently ranked second in total yards in the conference, nothing could be truer. Limiting the defense’s time on the field will give Kentucky’s offense the ability to set the pace of the game and limit Vanderbilt’s opportunities at big plays. The Cats must protect the football in this game, if not, it may be a long drive back to Lexington.

2. Establish the run game.

Kentucky football currently leads the SEC at 5.63 yards per rush attempt, mostly on the back of former Vanderbilt running back Ray Davis who Kentucky picked up in the transfer portal. Davis is averaging 7.2 yards a carry so far this season.  It will be important to establish the run game early and give Davis the opportunity to set the pace of the game. Passing the football is sexy and what everyone wants to see, but having a running back like Davis in your arsenal wins football games.

3. Pressure the quarterback 

AJ Swann has been sacked eight times this season and has thrown four interceptions. Putting pressure on this quarterback should create turnovers.  f Tavin Wallace, J.J. Weaver, and company create chaos in the Vanderbilt backfield, I believe Kentucky wins the turnover battle and the game. Look for Brad White’s defense to come out and be aggressive early and often.

Prediction

Both teams have the potential to put up a ton of points, however, I do not expect a ton of scoring in this game. Ray Davis has a HUGE game in his “homecoming”, Kentucky football takes an early lead and never looks back, using Davis to milk the clock for much of the second half and keep the ball out of A.J. Swann and Vanderbilt’s hands. Kentucky wins this game, 28-13.

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