University of Kentucky
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Students: 27,209 (Undergrad 19,292)
Head Coach: Joker Phillips (2nd season, overall record 8-10)
2011 record: 2-3 (0-2 SEC)
Overall record vs. USC: USC leads series 14-7-1
Famous Alumni: Ashley Judd (Actor), Pat Riley( Miami Heat Pres.), John Wall (Washington Wizards) and Howard Schnellenberger (FAU Head Coach).
Let’s break this game down…..
Revenge Factor: Randell Cobb is gone which is a good thing if you remember last year. After knocking off Alabama last year, the Gamecocks went to Lexington with high hopes. After Marcus Lattimore went down with an injury, Kentucky staged a comeback in the 2nd half to beat the Gamecocks 31-28. Not to make matters worst but USC is coming off a lose to Auburn and has decided to change quarterbacks.
What Conner Shaw will face: Kentucky defense has had a rough two game stretch facing Florida and LSU in back-to-back weekends. The Wildcats have given up 24.6 points per game on averager and are currently ranked 60th nationally in scoring defense. The Wildcat’s are led by a pair of linebackers on defense that lead the SEC in tackling. Senior Danny Trevathan leads the SEC with 59 tackles and then there is senior linebacker Winston Guy, who is second in the SEC with 53 tackles. Besides having the top two tacklers in the SEC, Kentucky is givng up on average 362 yards per game and 198 rushing yards per game. I smell success for USC on offense.
The Wildcats can’t move the ball: Kentucky’s offense has been bad all year. The Gamecock defense should be fine withouth Melvin Ingram this weekend against a Kentucky offense that is only averaging 15 points per game and 255 yards per game. Kentucky is ranked dead last in the SEC and are nationally ranked 113 in scoring offense. The one bright spot on the Wildcat’s offense is WR La’Rod King, who has 21 receptions for 301 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Kentucky’s QB is Morgan Newton, who is completing 50% of his passes on the season and has six touchdowns and six interceptions on the season. Newton has also been sacked 17 times this season. USC defense has to be licking their chops.
Fun fact for Saturday: Kentucky has given up the most sacks in the SEC with 21 and the USC defense leads the SEC with 13 sacks. I have a feeling Coach Johnson might let Clowney and Taylor run wild on Newton, early and often.
Prediction: Carolina is looking to prove critic’s wrong with a offensive blowout win this week. I have a feeling Connor Shaw will start slow but end up having a pretty good game like LOHD talked about in the podcast. Look for USC to execute these five keys. Look for Lattimore to have a big day rushing wise, as well as a couple touchdowns. The defense will once again steal the show, having a big game. Clowney and Taylor with each have a sack and the defense will score at least one touchdown.
USC 28 Kentucky 7
