The Cats look to bounce back after two consecutive defeats.
The Kentucky Wildcats opened up the 2024 season with a dominating win over the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, but they’ve lost two consecutive games since then.
Kentucky was embarrassed by the South Carolina Gamecocks in Week 2, but they may be the real deal after they lost by just three against the LSU Tigers last week.
It’s safe to say that the majority of BBN expected a blowout in Week 3 against the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs, but that wasn’t the case. After an ugly game against South Carolina, Mark Stoops’ squad showed last weekend that it hasn’t given up yet, despite the 1-2 record (0-2 in SEC).
Kentucky’s offensive and defensive lines showed out on Saturday night in what turned out to be an absolute slugfest. While the offense still wasn’t great, it made drastic changes compared to the week before. In fact, Kentucky actually outgained Georgia in total yards.
Regardless, we aren’t here for moral victories in year 12 under Stoops. However, the Cats may have just figured out their identity. Brock Vandagriff, while leaving his heart on the field, showed that he may be more of a game manager than a guy who can take over and sling the rock all over the field.
That’s okay if you have a good wide receiving core, can run the ball, and have a good defense. Guess what? Kentucky is fortunate to have and be able to do all of those things, so it’s hopefully time they lean on their strengths.
Even without Chip Trayanum, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye has looked like an every-down back and Jamarion Wilcox has shown flashes of his elite potential. And while the offensive line may not be able to pass block, they get down and dirty in the run game.
On the other side of the ball, Kentucky showed its dominance on defense—holding the Bulldogs to just 13 points and 262 total yards. The defensive line is elite, the linebackers are forces, and the secondary is a no-fly zone.
So, although Kentucky’s record isn’t quite what we’d hoped at this point, there’s reason for optimism, and that starts this upcoming weekend. Kentucky’s upcoming opponent, the Ohio Bobcats, is no pushover, but the Cats should take care of business.
The Bobcats are 2-1 on the season with a 38-22 loss to the Syracuse Orange, a 27-20 win over the South Alabama Jaguars, and a 21-6 win over the Morgan State Bears. Ohio will be a more run-heavy team, which should benefit the Cats. Ohio will utilize a couple of running backs, along with its quarterback.
They have been turnover prone to date with a -3 margin in that category, which includes just two fumbles lost but four interceptions. Kentucky will have to take advantage of that because its offense has been horrendous so far this season. Ohio’s defense has been solid so far, but the level of competition leaves questions.
All in all, it’s time for Stoops’ Cats to get back in the win column. Will the Cats bounce back?
Let us know in the poll below and in the comments section!
Go Cats!