Kentucky vs. Ball State: 3 Things 2 Watch 4
Kickoff between Kentucky and Ball State is right around the corner. Before the Wildcats host the Cardinals from the MAC at Kroger Field, Kentucky Sports Radio shares 3 Things 2 Watch 4.
Kickoff: Noon
TV: SEC Network
Line: Kentucky -26.5
Kentucky Scores Red Zone Touchdowns
Liam Coen was not infallible during his first stint as Kentucky’s offensive coordinator, but his offenses were exceptional at two things: converting third downs and scoring touchdowns in the red zone. The Wildcats ranked No. 8 nationally, scoring touchdowns on 72.2% of their trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Following Coen’s departure that number dipped to 53.2%, No. 106 in the country.
Replicating that exceptional production without two brutes in the backfield, Chris Rodriguez and Will Levis, will not be easy. But Ray Davis has been there and done that in the SEC. Devin Leary also has more than one big, strong tight end to throw the ball up to in the end zone if the Cats can’t grind their way into the end zone on the ground.
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Create Pressure on Ball State’s Layne Hatcher
Ball State ranked 11th in pass attempts per game last fall, dialing up 40.2 pass plays per game. That’s a big reason why Layne Hatcher ditched an opportunity to break more records in the Sun Belt to spend his final season in Muncie. Not only will he get to throw it around the yard, he’s dropping back to pass behind an offensive line that’s returning 66 combined starts, which ranks in the top 20 in FBS football.
Brad White’s big play-prevention defense does not pride itself on creating havoc behind the line of scrimmage. The Wildcats were one of the best teams at creating pressure, but they struggled to get home. Kentucky’s 20 sacks last fall ranked No. 104 nationally and tied for 12th in the SEC. Deone Walker and the Kentucky defensive line will have plenty of opportunities to rush the passer against formidable foes in the trenches. We’ll get a good idea of how potent this pass rush may be in week 1.
A Rushing Touchdown for Kentucky RB Ramon Jefferson
Ramon Jefferson was brought to Kentucky after earning FCS All-American honors. Described last summer by Will Levis as “Mighty Mouse,” the bowling ball runner never got a chance to showcase his skills. He suffered a season-ending knee injury on his second carry in the SEC. His teammate, Ray Davis, wants to see Ramon punch it into the end zone. It’s time for the entire offense to deliver a feel-good moment to kick off the 2023 Kentucky football season.
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