Very few folks think Georgia fotoball will have trouble at Kentucky, but can the Bulldogs cover as three touchdown favorites?
The No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) face their first road test of the season at the Kentucky Wildcats (1-1). The Georgia-Kentucky game will be played at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and will be televised on ABC.
Georgia has won 14 straight games in the series dating to before the Kirby Smart era. Kentucky coach Mark Stoops remains winless against Georgia, but Stoops has gotten the Wildcats to play some tight, physical games against the Bulldogs over the years.
“Mark (Stoops) has a workman-like, blue-collar toughness, physicalness, win at the line of scrimmage mentality, and that carries over into his offense,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.
“We’ve always said this has been the most physical game we’ve played in most years, especially when we’ve played up there.”
Georgia faces a strong challenge from Kentucky, which ran the ball 46 times against South Carolina last week. The Wildcats completed only six passes in their 31-6 loss at home to South Carolina.
How does the national media think the Georgia-Kentucky game will unfold? Who thinks Georgia will cover the massive 24 1/2 point spread?
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck had a huge game against Kentucky last year. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
“Kentucky only mustered 183 yards and six points in a loss to South Carolina. I shudder to think at what Georgia’s defense could do against the ‘Cats if their passing game doesn’t show up again this weekend,” said Kenyon. On the flip side, if Kentucky can establish the run, then the Wildcats could chew up the clock pretty quickly.
Prediction: Georgia 48, Kentucky 10
James Morgan, UGA Wire
Georgia is heavily favored, but it is hard to envision the Kentucky offense playing well against Georgia. The Wildcats really struggled in pass blocking situations against South Carolina. If Kentucky can’t run consistently, Georgia will cover the huge point spread.
“I expect Mark Stoops to have his guys ready to compete at home. The Wildcats are not knocking off the Bulldogs, but they keep it within the number,” said Colin Lynch.
Coming off the loss to South Carolina, Kentucky will come out angry and motivated to make a statement. Expect Brock Vandagriff to get out of the pocket early and often and look for intermediate to deep throws to put the Georgia defense on their toes.
Unfortunately, it will not really matter. Georgia will dominate along both lines of scrimmage, and the pass rush will open up more and more as the game goes on, anchored by linebacker Jalon Walker.
The Georgia secondary will contain Kentucky’s passing game and force Kentucky to readjust. Offensively, Carson Beck will be tested by an experienced Wildcat secondary, but Trevor Etienne and the run game will eventually open up the passing game and allow playmakers like Dillon Bell and Dominic Lovett to shine.
