Kentucky vs. Ole Miss: KSR Predictions

Kentucky and Ole Miss will meet tomorrow as ranked foes for the first time since 1958. Anticipation is killing the KSR crew. Instead of counting down the minutes, hear how we think the action will unfold when the ball is kicked off at Noon EST on ESPN.

Tyler Thompson

I’ll be a fan in the stands for this one, my first trip to the Grove for a football game in 22 years. As someone who’s made many Kentucky Football road trips in her life, it will be a little weird coming to town with a top ten team. I feel like the Cats have been defined by the chip on their shoulder under Mark Stoops, but there’s been a ton of national respect for the program this week. The ESPN homepage featured TWO Kentucky profiles on Wednesday. I’ll see what the mood is like in Oxford, but with no Roman Harper-esque soundbites (yet), the only “prove ’em wrong” narrative we’ve got is Ole Miss being a touchdown favorite.

Regardless, I really like the position Kentucky’s in right now. The offense survived without Chris Rodriguez; in fact, the passing game thrived under Will Levis and his new receivers. I’m trying to keep my expectations for Rodriguez in check as he settles back in, but it’ll be fun to see how adding him back to the mix helps the offense achieve more balance. Defensively, if Ole Miss is down two of its top three running backs (Ulysses Bentley IV is out, Zach Evans is probable), I feel REALLY good about the Cats’ chances. That would make this a battle of quarterbacks between Jaxson Dart (a capable runner) and Will Levis. In that situation, give me Levis, and therefore the Cats, all day.

Kentucky 28, Ole Miss 24

Adam Luckett

The second SEC game of the year has arrived and the Cats will again hit the road. Only this time it’s a game that the Big Blue Nation has had circled for a long time.

There will be a strong fan showing in The Grove on Saturday morning as Kentucky looks to win its second game this year as a road underdog. When diving into the matchup, there’s a lot to like about the Cats.

Expect Lane Kiffin’s offense to get off to a fast start due to tempo and the opening script that could include a few wrinkles on Saturday. Kentucky’s defense must find its footing early but after that there should be some advantages for the Big Blue to use in its favor.

Jaxson Dart is very much unproven at quarterback and decision-making is a concern for the talented young gunslinger. Meanwhile, Kentucky has a ton of faith in Will Levis and the return of Chris Rodriguez Jr. should give the running game a needed shot in the arm. After absorbing some early punches from Ole Miss in the first half, look for Kentucky’s veteran roster to seize control of the game against a new team on the other side with a lot of new faces who haven’t been in a true grind-it-out game with each other yet.

Brad White’s defense limits a potent ground attack and forces Dart into a turnover or two. Will Levis makes some big boy throws, Rodriguez gives the ground game more consistency, and Kentucky’s offense puts together one of its best performances of the season as the unit is now at full strength.

Kentucky pulls away late as “Go Big Blue” chants get loud at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in the fourth quarter. The Cats log their second SEC win on the road and keep gaining momentum in what could end up being an all-time season.

Kentucky 34, Ole Miss 21

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Zack Geoghegan

Chris Rodriguez is back. Full stop. Kentucky’s running game will look much different in Oxford than it has the first four weeks. Offensive line issues are still alive, but with a back of C-Rod’s caliber, he’ll find a way to stumble into a minimum of 60 rushing yards. Rich Scangarello can really open up the playbook against an unproven Rebel defense.

With the injuries due to Ole Miss’s running backs, which have been the team’s bell cow this season, and lackluster quarterback play from a transfer, Kentucky is going to enter The Grove as the more talented program from top to bottom. Let’s not forget that the Rebels only beat Tulsa in Week 4 by eight. Lane Kiffin has built a formidable defense, but going up against Will Levis will be their first true test of the season.

Give me the ‘Cats by a touchdown.

Kentucky 31, Ole Miss 24

Nick Roush

Ole Miss has to run the football to win. Even with Zach Evans back in the fold, I don’t think they can do it effectively enough to hide Jaxson Dart. The experienced Kentucky defense will not be fooled by Lane Kiffin’s deception.

The worst case scenario for Kentucky is in the turnover department. Chris Rodriguez has been known to catch a case of the dropsies from time to time, and after 10 months without getting tackled, the fumbles could return. Turnovers have crippled Kentucky in SEC West road games and could do that once again.

If Kentucky avoids the turnover bug, simply put — the Wildcats are a better football team. There are more known quantities in UK blue than the transfers who have been untested in powder blue. Kentucky is the superior team. The offense will stretch its legs and prove it is an explosive unit in Oxford.

Kentucky 28, Ole Miss 17

Jack Pilgrim

Ah, the return of Chris Rodriguez. Just what the college football world needed this weekend and beyond.

With the Wildcats struggling to find consistency in the run game, the nation’s most consistent back returns to the lineup, and he comes in with fresh legs and minimal wear and tear. His return will also set up play-action opportunities and open up the passing game, one that has already impressed to open the season. Put two and two together, and it’s a great sign for Kentucky going into Oxford.

Lane Kiffin is an offensive mastermind known for creativity, trickery and explosive plays. The Rebels have been run-heavy through four games, but with some injuries in the backfield — players less than 100%, at minimum — Kiffin could throw in some added wrinkles looking to find scoring opportunities. Defensive discipline will be important for the Wildcats.

When push comes to shove, though, Kentucky is more talented on both sides of the ball and playmaking favors the Wildcats. Ole Miss hits a home run or two, but it’s not enough to slow down Kentucky’s offensive attack — expect a big game from Will Levis.

Cats roll in Oxford.

Kentucky 31, Ole Miss 21