AoG Defensive Preview: Kentucky

Unlike their counterparts on offense, Kentucky has strong defense this year. At present they are holding teams to 19 points per game, tops in the SEC, and 18th best in the country. They haven’t been the strongest against the run (they also haven’t been terrible), but they excel in pass defense, holding teams to an average of 212 yards per game.

Linebacker Jamin Davis is the heart of the Kentucky defense, with 58 tackles on the season. He’s done well in coverage too as evidenced by a nice 85 yard TD return against Tennessee. The Defense also has a strong secondary presence with Kelvin Joseph. Kentucky has been a turnover creating machine, but that has probably been bolstered by a six interception performance against Mississippi State, who as we have pointed out has looked lost offensively. Still, taking advantage of opportunities is part of the game, and the Wildcats have done that.

Kentucky has done well in the passing game despite a relative lack of a pass rush. The Wildcats defensive line appears to be the weak part of this unit. They have as many sacks as Vandy (8), and they allow about 150 yards per game on the ground. This could be a positive for Keyon Henry-Brooks, who has looked very strong of late. The Dores would be well suited to give the Cats healthy doses of the run to help Seals open the passing game up.

Given the present posture of the two programs, this looks like it will be a low scoring affair. Then again, nothing is particularly certain in this crazy football season, so it’s likely to be a massive rout either way since I said it would be close.