Kentucky (4-5) vs. Vanderbilt (4-5) Preview

Game Facts

Vanderbilt finished the 2010 season 2-10 including a 38-20 loss to UK.

The Commodores enter the game Saturday with one win in their last six games.

Kentucky defeated Ole Miss last weekend 30-13.

Game will be played at Dudley Field in Nashville, TN

Game will be televised on the SEC Network at 12:21pm EST.

Vanderbilt snapshot

The ‘Dores enter Saturday’s contest reeling a bit after losing five of their last six games. New head coach James Franklin has already doubled the program’s win totals from last season. His team has suffered hard fought losses to Georgia (33-28), Arkansas (31-28) and Florida (26-21). They have defeated Elon, UConn, Ole Miss and Army. Just like the Cats, they are fighting for bowl eligibility.

Larry Smith started the season under center, but Jordan Rodgers is now the starting quarterback. Smith has not seen action in the last two games. Rodgers has a QB rating of 116% and thrown just as many touchdowns as interceptions (5) so far this season. In his last two games, Rodgers is 34 of 55 passing with three touchdowns and 537 yards. Not to shabby considering he was facing Florida and Arkansas. He did manage to throw two interceptions against Army. Rodgers likes to run the read option and make plays with his feet too. In his last three games, he is averaging 15 rushing attempts.

Zac Stacy is the team’s leading rusher. He is averaging 6.87 yards per carry and rushed for over 100 yards three times this season. Against Army, he rushed for 198 yards and three touchdowns. That was the only game he carried the ball more than 20 times.

The ‘Dores have six players with more than 10 receptions on the season and two with more than 20 receptions. Jordan Matthews has become Rodgers favorite target. He has recorded 15 receptions and 321 receiving yards in his last two games.

Vanderbilt starts one senior and two juniors on their offensive line. While the Cats have given up their share of sacks, so have the ‘Dores. They rank 9^th in the SEC in sacks allowed.

On defense the ‘Dores are solid up front. While they may not have massive line, they are very technique sound and play with intensity. If someone would have told you they would have as many sacks as Alabama at this point in the season, would you have believed them? Vanderbilt ranks 3^rd in the SEC in sacks. Their secondary is pretty good too. They rank 2^nd in interceptions with 15 on the season.

Kentucky snapshot

The Cats are sitting at 4-5 on the season, just like Vanderbilt. Outside of the Louisville game, the season has went as most predicted. However, this game is hard to predict and one I circled on the calendar when Vanderbilt started 3-0.

Maxwell Smith has put hope back into the Big Blue Nation. While he is a true freshman, he is taking care of the football and making good decisions. It also helps the defense when the offense is moving the chains. Time of possession could be something to watch tomorrow. Smith doesn’t need to play a perfect game tomorrow for the Cats to win. He must take what the defense is giving and not force throws. Smith has not thrown an interception in his last 69 attempts.

CoShik Williams has earned the starting running back job. In his last three games, he is averaging over 100 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry. While Williams is playing well, a lot of credit should go to the offensive line. They have continued to work and get better this season. Raymond Sanders practiced the week and should be available too.

Matt Roark continues to play well. In his past two games, he has 20 receptions and 232 receiving yards. His play has been a huge boost for the entire offense. La’Rod King only has seven receptions in the past two games, but he remains UK’s playmaker. Against Ole Miss, he recorded three receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown. Gene McCaskill recorded his first career touchdown last week and Brian Adams is poised for a breakout game.

The Cats defense took a hit this week when the team announced Ridge Wilson would not make the trip to Nashville. Freshman Bud Dupree will start in his place. Dupree is a great athlete, but his role will be something to watch. Danny Trevathan and Winston Guy rank 1^st and 2^nd in the SEC in tackles on the season. Both guys are having huge seasons. Given Jordan Rodgers ability to scramble, the linebackers will need a monster game tomorrow. Mister Cobble and Donte Rumph missed practice time this week, but are expected to play tomorrow. UK’s secondary needs a huge game tomorrow as well. Aaron Rodgers sliced up Florida’s defense for 297 yards and Arkansas for 240 the week prior.

Keys to the game

Games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. I’ll be watching to see if UK’s offensive line can win the battle up front. Randy Sanders needs to establish the running game early. If this happens, it will open up the passing game for Maxwell Smith. Like I said above, Smith doesn’t need to play a perfect game to for the Cats to win, but he must continue to make good decisions. Vanderbilt will try to bait him into some bad throws.

How will UK contain Jordan Rodgers? If UK’s defensive line can consistently put pressure on the quarterback, it should keep Danny Trevathan and Winston Guy free to make plays. While many people are concerned about Rodgers ability to run, I actually think UK has an advantage with Guy and Trevathan. If the Cats are unable to pressure Rodgers, then Rick Minter will mix in some blitzes and Rodgers may hurt the Cats.

Vanderbilt likes to run the read-option. UK fans saw how well that worked for Mississippi State. It can be tough to defend, but if the defensive line has a big game, they can shut it down quickly. Both teams need a win. Both teams are fighting for bowl eligibility. This is a very hard game to predict. Call me crazy. I’m going against the line simply because I feel the Cats are better on special teams.

UK 23 Vandy 21

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