Mark Stoops has developed a strong track record in the Bluegrass State for going beyond just being the sibling of the former Oklahoma national-championship coach. Year after year, Stoops’ teams continue to be an SEC brand of the old-school Big Ten football not too far north from Lexington.
The Wildcats tend to play tough and physical football, making them a steady contender in the SEC East. No longer a pushover, Kentucky is a team that can no longer be a cinch win on a team’s schedule. Sure, two seven-win seasons in a row are not something to celebrate, but that’s because the four years prior, UK won ten games each of those years, lending credence to the feeling that the Wildcats have moved to the position of being close to taking a next step.
Other schools have taken notice. If coaching rumor mills are to be believed, Stoops nearly ended up learning the words to the Aggie Hymn last offseason before that potential offseason move came undone.
Despite the success of football at Kentucky and a dip in basketball performance, this program will always be second-fiddle in terms of prestige and likely financial support.
Could there be resentment within the roster from their head coach apparently looking elsewhere? Time will tell, especially Sept. 14 when the Dawgs head north for their SEC opener.
Offense: Fancy seeing you here…
The Wildcats have to feel good about what they return from a receiving standpoint as Dane Key and Barion Brown are back to help stretch the field. As to who will be throwing them the ball?
As Georgia fans know, former five-star recruit Brock Vandagriff realized that there was not enough room at the inn of the Georgia quarterback room and opted for an opportunity to prove an ability that he feels he can showcase.
Make no mistake, Vandagriff will head to Kentucky looking to show that maybe he had the ability to beat out Carson Beck. You can’t blame him for transferring – if someone realizes he is not likely to play much, they cannot be blamed for looking for a place to play more.
The advantage for Georgia…and disadvantage for Kentucky – is this game’s timing for a team that may very well lean on the passing game.
Yes, Vandagriff will have a spring and summer of work with skill players and on timing, but there’s zero substitute for game experience. UK won’t get much of that before playing Georgia, and the Dawgs’ defense could do a lot to help exploit that lack of experience more with this game in September than when it has been previously in October or November.
Plus…it should not be obscenely cold compared to Athens.
Defense: The Best That The Dawgs Could Face?
So this is why fans should go ahead and channel their inner Munson. Kentucky may very well be the best unit on that side of the ball Georgia faces in the regular season. According to Pro Football Focus, its linebacker unit is the No. 3-rated group in all of college football. When you combine that with Deone Walker on the defensive line and a solid secondary, this is a group that can present problems. The infusion of Georgia transfer Jamon Dumas-Johnson does not hurt, either.
Kentucky had the nation’s 15th-best rush defense last year, and all but one starter from 2023’s front seven returns.
#Kentucky IDL Deone Walker (6-6, 348)
Unique athleticism for his size. Multiple front space eater that also has active hands and short-area quickness. pic.twitter.com/vaq3sC5lS2
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) July 16, 2024
It’ll be key for Georgia’s offensive line to not have a sleepwalk of a day in this one.
Special Teams: Speed to burn in horse country
The Wildcats will be breaking in a new kicker after the reliable Alex Raynor graduated, making 90 percent of his field goals, a mark good for third in the SEC last year.
Barion Brown, also a receiving threat, brings similar concerns to account for. That’s shown by way of three kick returns for a touchdown last year, something that can turn the tide of a game.
The Bottom Line
Even going back to the Dooley era, Georgia usually has had tough tests in Lexington. The SEC did Georgia a favor with this being earlier than late October or November from a competition standpoint, though it may not be as practical for “Road Dawgs” seeking a bourbon tour.
The worst thing you can ask for against a team breaking in a new quarterback is to face them late in the year after they have had time to find themselves.
Georgia should see one of its tougher defensive tests in this one. Given that and with this game kicking off at 7:30 p.m., it’s key for the Dawgs to come in locked in and get a road win.
Prediction: Georgia 27, Kentucky 10
Go Dawgs@