Kentucky Football's goals vs. New Mexico State

Kentucky stopped a three-game losing skid with a 34-17 victory over Vanderbilt. The Wildcats exploded in the first half by jumping out to a 31-3 lead and held on to defeat the Commodores 34-17. Kentucky finished its SEC slate with a 5-3 record and sole possession of second place in the East. New Mexico State and Senior Day are up next. The 1-9 Aggies are coming off a 59-3 trouncing to Alabama. 

The Wildcats have an opportunity to extend their record to 8-3 against an opponent they should defeat. New Mexico State is led by former Kentucky quarterback and coach Doug Martin. The Aggies have been competitive at times as an independent. They lost 28-10 to No. 23 San Diego State. This game offers a multitude of preparatory opportunities for the week leading up to the Governor’s Cup. NMSU averages 264 passing yards and 45 throws per game. The Cats’ pass defense has been suspect and will be tested on Saturday against the Aggies, who operate at a fast tempo. Let’s take a look at what Kentucky has to do in order to win the football game. 

OFFENSE

The Wildcats rolled up 34 points and 413 total yards, and averaged 7 yards per play in Nashville. New Mexico State ranks 123^rd in the nation after allowing 473 yards per game and 7 per play. The Aggies are also giving up 40 points per outing and its pass defense ranks 125^th in the country by surrendering 291 yards per contest. Kentucky should be able to score and execute at a high level on Saturday. Here’s what the Wildcat offense has to do in order to win. 

Start hot, stay hot

The Cats started red hot against Vanderbilt but failed to put the game away in the second half. New Mexico State jumped out to a 3-0 lead over Alabama. It was all Crimson Tide from that point forward. Bama QB Bryce Young completed 21 of 23 passes for 270 yards and five touchdowns. Will Levis will have the same opportunity through the air. A fast start that extends deep into the second half would give the Wildcats an opportunity to dive into its two-deep depth chart. A Beau Allen spotting should occur. The Big Blue Nation is clamoring for the Wildcats to put away an opponent after jumping out to a significant lead. The Cats have that opportunity on Saturday. Here’s what Liam Coen’s group has to do to beat NMSU. 

Feed the receivers

Wan’Dale Robinson is closing in on UK’s single-season receptions record. Josh Ali is also rising in the program’s career receiving yardage category. Saturday will be a game in which Wildcat receivers can be rewarded for their development and run blocking. Preseason concerns focused on the receiver room. That group amended some doubts but still has potential for expanded growth. 

Back to the start hot, stay hot goal. A second-half advantage could lead to Chris Lewis, Chauncy Magwood, and more pass catchers seeing the field. Game reps are invaluable with film being the ultimate teaching tool. 

Stretch the 20-hour rule

The Governor’s Cup is an important game. Liam Coen can throw the kitchen sink at NMSU in order to force Louisville to prepare for a myriad of offensive formations, motions, shifts, personnel groups, and plays. The 20-hour rule limits the time that football players can spend on football activities during the week leading up to game day. Perhaps Coen can fill up the film reel by giving the Cards plenty to study. Overloading the cut-up crews would be considered a success.

DEFENSE

Kentucky’s defensive performance against Vanderbilt was subject to discontent on message boards, the airwaves, and on social media. Negativity surrounded the Wildcats’ second-half performance. But, the reality is that Kentucky held VU to 35 total yards short of its season average. The Commodores also averaged less than five yards per play. While the game’s final 30 minutes were aggravating, the game was never in doubt. But, Kentucky continued to struggle on getting off the field on third and fourth downs. 

New Mexico State is a perfect setup game for the Governor’s Cup. The Aggies attempt 45 passes and throw for 264 yards per outing. Doug Martin operates an up-tempo offensive attack. Quarterback Jonah Johnson is completing 58% of his passes and has thrown for 2,104 yards to go along with eight scores. NMSU’s offense is creative and will present many of the same challenges that Kentucky will face against Louisville. Several of the goals for Brad White’s defense are carryovers from a week ago. 

Defend passes

Kentucky defenders will have ample opportunities to effect passes at the point of catch against New Mexico State. The Aggies are a pass-happy team that sports four receivers with over thirty receptions. Pass breakup and interception chances will be high. Boosting the season total in each category would increase confidence and secondary morale going into the Governor’s Cup. 

Tackle in space

New Mexico State’s wide splits are similar to Tennessee’s. The Aggies will also throw many short passes that will present Wildcat defenders with solo opportunities.  Proper position and leverage will be mandatory. The Wildcats have to get ball carriers to the ground. 

Compete

Get off the field on third and fourth downs. Kentucky ranks 11^th in the SEC after allowing 41% on third down. Holding NMSU to 35% on the money down is an appropriate objective. 

SPECIAL TEAMS

I’ve had the esteemed honor to be alongside Tom Leach in the radio booth on two occasions. One was against New Mexico State. I accidentally predicted that Kentucky would return a punt for a touchdown. I’m not doubling down, but the Wildcats have a chance for a third-phase touchdown on Saturday. 

Score

A punt or kickoff return for six is a possibility this week. 

What Does All This Mean?

Saturday is all about the Kentucky Wildcats. First, Kentucky will honor a senior class that has enjoyed tremendous success. That group deserves a suitable sendoff. Second, NMSU is an opponent that the Wildcats should defeat by a substantial margin. Internal focus while respecting its opponent is the preferred method of operation in Week 11. 

It seems like just yesterday that we were welcoming Terry Bowden and the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks to Kroger Field. With only two games remaining in the regular season, the Cats are poised for yet another valued bowl game. Saturday should be a celebration of a fun year and a senior class that has truly changed the culture of the Kentucky Football program.