Lane Kiffin's offense is putting up staggering numbers, but there are weaknesses to be found. We break down the key stats you need to know before Kentucky takes on Ole Miss.
To understand the challenge facing the Kentucky Wildcats, you have to look at the numbers. Lane Kiffin is bringing an offensive juggernaut to Lexington. While their opening-week stats are inflated, they reveal the Rebels' identity.
An elite, balanced offensive attack
Ole Miss is ruthlessly balanced. They rank 8th nationally in yards per rush (6.7) and 4th in passing yards per game (400.0). Quarterback Austin Simmons is averaging a blistering 10.8 yards per attempt, pushing the ball downfield to an array of weapons. RB Logan Diggs has 91 yards on just 7 carries. Not to be outdone Kewan Lacy has 108 yards on 16 carries.
All that means is that Lane Kiffin is once again bringing an elite big play offense to face the Cats. And you better believe, after last year, if he can score 80 he will. The defense will need to be better in the pass game than it was against Toledo.
An opportunistic, bend-don't-break defense
The Rebels' defense gives up yards on the ground, but they are the #1 ranked team in the country at limiting opponent yards per pass attempt (2.8) after one week. They make quarterbacks uncomfortable and excel at preventing explosive plays through the air. Part of that will be playing Georgia State, but it shows the identity Lane Kiffin wants his defense to play with.
That means a 79-yard run, like the one against Toledo we broke down here, is unlikely. Calzada will need to be patient and take what the defense gives him.
The bottom line
The key for Kentucky will be to control the clock and establish its ground game, allowing the team to play with the physical identity it's been struggling to recapture. To pull off the upset, the Wildcats will need to be at full strength, but as our morning injury report noted, one key player is already banged up. This matchup has a history of dramatic finishes, and avoiding another heartbreaking turning-point loss will require a near-perfect performance from the Cats.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. 1 Peter 1:3. #UpTheAlbion