JOE COX: Schedule Eases Up For Cats Ahead of Final Pivotal Pair

The Southeastern Conference is, among other things, unforgiving. Kentucky was 6-0 a short few weeks ago, but a three-game losing streak later, the Wildcats, particularly on defense, could use a boost when they take on Vanderbilt in Nashville on Saturday. The good news is they should get it.

After a tough three-game stretch, Kentucky gets a couple of light weeks with Vandy and New Mexico State next on the schedule. How well UK can refuel and refocus could go a long way toward defining the last two games of the season, a road game at Louisville and the as-yet-uncertain bowl game.

After laying an egg against Mississippi State, the Kentucky offense was phenomenal against Tennessee. UK scored 42 points, gained over 600 yards, and controlled time of possession for 46 minutes. And, of course, lost the game 45-42.

The good news is, that was last week. This week, Will Levis should have an easy time against a Vanderbilt defense that is last in many significant defensive statistics. Kentucky’s one-two punch of Chris Rodriguez and Kavosiey Smoke will likely get some chances to shine in the run game.

On defense, Kentucky should have a good day. Perhaps the polar opposite of Tennessee’s passing attack, which has 22 touchdowns against just two interceptions, Vandy is the lone SEC team with more picks (11) than touchdowns (10). Vandy is 12th in the SEC in rushing, gaining a meager 3.5 yards per carry for the season.

While Big Blue Nation (and doubtlessly, the Wildcats themselves) had a couple of bad weeks after dreaming of New Year’s Six bowl games, there’s still plenty on the for the Wildcats. A win over Vandy would mark Kentucky’s second winning SEC season since 1977… and their second in four seasons. A 9-3 Wildcat squad would likely be in the Top 25 rankings and draw a significant bowl appearance.

But re-gaining the toehold starts Saturday. Is Kentucky ready?

Kentucky 38, Vanderbilt 17

Around the SEC

Here are the picks for the rest of the league’s matchups:

Florida 42, Samford 7

Alabama 58, New Mexico State 0

Auburn 28, Mississippi State 17

Georgia 38, Tennessee 17

South Carolina 42, Missouri 35

Texas A&M 24, Ole Miss 22

Arkansas 28, LSU 27

Joe Cox is contributing editor for KySportsStyle.com Magazine. He grew up in Letcher County and Bell County and has written or co-written nine books. His most recent, "A Fine Team Man: Jackie Robinson and the Lives He Changed," was released in February 2019 and can be ordered on Amazon or at many local bookstores. Joe is an attorney and lives in Logan County with his wife and children. You can reach him at jrcox004@gmail.com.