After years of frustration of losing seasons and blowouts, first year head coach James Franklin has put his team in position for a winning season for the first time since 2008 when the ‘Dores went 7-6 and a Music City Bowl win over Boston College. However, despite becoming so close the last few weeks, the Commodores could not finish ball games. But this weekend may be a different story while facing the Cats.
After exploding in the fourth quarter last weekend to an 30-13 victory, Kentucky still has some unfinished business left for the rest of the 2011 season, including a chance to become bowl eligible. Maxwell Smith was huge last week vs. Ole Miss and came up big when Joker Phillips needed him.
The big question for me was it the stat page that everyone looks at or the fact of him putting the Wildcats in position to win?
I believe answer to that question is predominantly towards the Wildcats winning games. After a rough stretch, Maxwell Smith hopes he can answer the call and help the Cats become one win closer to making it to another post-season game.
Here is who I believe will be difference makers.
[B]Offense: [/B]Jordan Matthews: The play maker receiver has already shown that he can make big plays when needed most. Speaking from experience of playing against Matthews, the leading receiver for Vandy can create separation and can cause a lot of trouble for the the UK defenders. As we have seen, the struggling Wildcat secondary has had a lot of big plays occur because of the beaten coverage. The sensational sophomore comes in with 23 receptions with 3 being touchdowns. Covering Matthews will be a big challenge if the Cats want to repeat from a week ago.
[B]Defense: [/B]Casey Hayward: The senior defensive back can easily bring out the true identity of Maxwell Smith and his “freshman ways”. The six-foot defensive back has already taken three balls away from teams this year, with one being a touchdown. In order to keep the talented senior in check, developing the run and exposing the other parts of the ‘Dores D will help the young Wildcats keep their bowl chances alive. Along with Hayward, the whole defensive secondary for Vandy is pretty solid. The tough senior defender will be key as well, having to guard La’Rod King will help UK try to get the ball to other play makers like CoShik Williams and company.
After going through a couple of tough losses, the Commodores have to be hungry for a win. Nevertheless, the Wildcats are coming off a fourth quarter comeback and have a lot of momentum on their side. My advantage goes to the Cats, coming out early and exploding with some points.
