Coming off a blowout loss at No. 1 Tennessee, Kentucky is looking to avoid a losing streak on the road against a frisky Missouri team.
Missouri coming off a very good win at No. 25 South Carolina, and the momentum on their side. The Tigers are looking to continue it with a win against a Kentucky team who has had their number for the most part since Stoops arrived at Kentucky, winning 6 out of the last 7 against the Tigers.
This year, however, the stats of these teams are very similar showing two teams with solid defenses and struggling offenses. They are both averaging 23.9 points per game while giving up about 20 points per game.
Both defenses give up an average of 310 yards per game, with the bulk of that coming through the air. Contrary to that, both offenses have leaned toward the passing game, but are capable of running the ball as well.
Given their similarities, let’s look at some things to watch for and could decide the game on Saturday.
Can the defense play through injuries?
Giving up 44 points to an explosive Tennessee offense, it is fair to say the defense struggled last week, despite only giving up 7 in the first quarter.
This week, Kentucky will have to be able to stop the run, but that becomes more challenging as they will likely be without their two senior starting linebackers Jacquez Jones and Deandre Square.
Without the two captains of the defense, Kentucky might struggle, especially early in the game. If sophomore Trevin Wallace can step in and contribute in Square’s place on Saturday, in what should be a low-scoring game, that would be big for the Wildcats.
The biggest question will be if Kentucky can get off the field on third down after struggling to do last week, allowing the Volunteers to convert on five of their twelve opportunities.
Can Kentucky move the ball?
Kentucky is coming off their worst offensive performance of the season, scoring just 6 points on a total of 205 yards against one of the worst defenses in the country.
This week, Kentucky must improve and move the ball downfield.
Kentucky has the playmakers at wide receiver to be able to move the ball, but they have not been effective in the passing game since early in the season. With that said, the offensive line needs to be able to protect Levis long enough to be able to maintain a downfield passing game.
Running the ball effectively would certainly help the passing game by allowing the Wildcats to create opportunities for Levis and the receivers. However, Rodriguez’s status for Saturday is TBD determined after Stoops confirmed he suffered an injury in last weekend’s loss.
The biggest question for the offense in recent weeks has been the play calling of Scangarello and the conservative nature of it. Will Scangarello and Stoops open up the playbook and allow Levis to throw the ball downfield?
If Levis can get going in this game it will help build some much-needed momentum.
Can Kentucky limit the special teams mistakes?
Despite not being an area to typically focus on, Kentucky has been killed in the kicking game this season whether it be bad snaps, bad kicks, or just bad luck.
Leaving a number amount of points on the field this season due to special teams errors is not a recipe for success and could be attributed to the Ole Miss loss. In a game where points may be at a premium, the Wildcats will need every point they can get.
With a likely loss to Georgia, this game will decide if Kentucky can still finish 8-4 in the regular season.
TV Info
Time/Date: 12:00 pm ET on Saturday, November 5th, 2022
Location: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri
TV Channel: SEC Network
Online Stream: WatchESPN, ESPN+, or the ESPN app
Radio: Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro have the UK radio network call on 630AM, 98.1 FM in Lexington, and the UK Sports Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | Mizzou
Live Stats
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