SHANE SHACKLEFORD: Wildcats Look to Bounce Back at Mississippi State

For three quarters, the Kentucky Wildcats were the superior team over the Florida Gators last Saturday.

Unfortunately, games last for four quarters and the Wildcats could not, losing 29-21. Now the Cats have to pick up the pieces and make the trip to Starkville to play the Mississippi State this weekend.

The Bulldogs enter the contest at 2-1, the same as UK, but are a 6.5-point favorite over the Cats. The over/under is 48.5.

Last season in Lexington, the Cats had their way with the Dawgs, defeating them 28-7.

Can the Cats pick themselves up off the mat and get back to their winning ways? That remains to be seen.

Let’s breakdown the matchup.

First, the tale of the tape:

Kentucky………………………………………………………………………..Mississippi State

32.3……………………………………..Scoring…………………………………………….33.3

430.0…………………………………Total Offense………………………………………..411.7

185.0…………………………………Rushing/Game……………………………………..224.0

245.0………………………………....Passing/Game……………………………………..187.7

23.3………………………………Points Allowed/Game…………………………………...24.7

390.3……………………………..Yards Allowed/Game………………………………….347.7

122.7…………………………...Rushing Defense/Game………………………………...139.7

267.7…………………………...Passing Defense/Game………………………………...208.0

Next, let’s look at some team leaders:

Rushing: UK-Kavoisey Smoke (254 yards, 2 touchdowns), AJ Rose (202 yards, 2 TD)

MSU- Kylin Hill (431 yards, 2 TD)

Passing: UK- Terry Wilson (360 yards, 2 TD), Sawyer Smith (343 yards, 2 TD)

MSU- Tommy Stevens (441 yards, 5 TD), Garrett Shrader (122 yards)

Receptions: UK- Lynn Bowden Jr. (20 receptions, 202 yards, TD)

MSU- Osirus Mitchell (13 receptions, 208 yards, 3 TD)

Tackles: UK-DeAndre Square (22 Total)

MSU- J. Landrews (24 Total)

Finally, let’s examine the three keys to a UK victory:

Contain Kylin Hill: The Dawgs' latest backfield star is the classic power back at MSU. The Cats must get him on the ground and limit his effectiveness if they have hopes of winning.

Compete for four quarters: The Cats have put together some good strings of football this season, but they haven’t put together four quarters yet. Sure would be a great time for that to happen on Saturday.

Smith’s Development Continues: The UK signal-caller had his ups and downs last Saturday night, but he did show enough to warrant faith in the rest of the season. MSU is good defensively but not like Florida. Look for Smith to have a pretty good day.

Prediction: Cats 27, Bulldogs 21

Photo by Ron Morrow