How Kentucky and No. 5 Georgia match up — with a game prediction
How Kentucky (2-3 SEC) and No. 5 Georgia (3-1 SEC) match up at each position — with a game prediction:
Quarterbacks
With Kentucky’s Terry Wilson out due to a wrist injury, Auburn transfer Joey Gatewood will make his first career start. A 6-foot-5, 221-pound redshirt sophomore, Gatewood has completed two of five passes for 18 yards and run eight times for 34 yards in limited duty. “Big arm. Can make all the throws. Stands strong in the pocket,” UK Coach Mark Stoops says of Gatewood. True freshman Beau Allen, the former Lexington Catholic star, is now the No. 2 QB. A former walk-on, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett (57.3% passing for 958 yards with seven TDs vs. three picks) had been one of the feel-good stories of the 2020 season. But the 5-11, 190-pound junior had a rough go (18-of-40 passing, three interceptions) in the Bulldogs’ 41-24 loss at No. 2 Alabama.
Advantage: Georgia.
Running backs
Kentucky redshirt sophomore power back Christopher Rodriguez, a McDonough, Ga., product, is eighth in the SEC in rushing yards (305, a 5.5 yards a carry average, four TDs). Senior starter A.J. Rose (235, 5.2, one) had a 29-yard run that ignited a drive that led to a Wildcats’ field goal in last week’s 20-10 loss at Missouri. Redshirt sophomore Kavosiey Smoke (91, 7.6, one) could provide some needed explosiveness after missing three games due to a rib injury. As new Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken seeks to diversify the Bulldogs’ offense, the Dawgs’ rushing attack has not been as formidable as usual. Redshirt sophomore Zamir White (266 yards, a 4.2 yards a carry average, five TDs) leads Georgia in rushing. Junior James Cook (83, 4.9, zero) hurt Alabama as a receiver with four catches for 101 yards and an 82-yard TD.
Advantage: Georgia.
Wide receivers
Kentucky’s non-ceasing search for productive wideouts to pair with senior Josh Ali (26 catches, 293 yards, one TD) has seen true freshmen Michael Drennen (firstteam at Y receiver) and Izayah Cummings (second team at X receiver) elevated on the depth chart. The 5-11, 190-pound Drennen has one catch for 6 yards; the 6-3, 228-pound Cummings, a Male High School product, is still in search of his first college reception. Georgia redshirt sophomore Kearis Jackson (21 catches, 323 yards, one TD) has emerged as Stetson Bennett’s favorite target. In 2019, George Pickens enjoyed a banner freshman season (49, 727, eight) but has not been as productive in 2020 (13, 140, two).
Advantage: Georgia.
Tight ends
Kentucky has senior Justin Rigg (five catches, 43 yards) and redshirt sophomore Keaton Upshaw (four, 39, one TD) bracketed at first team this week. Georgia has three players listed at first-team TE — redshirt sophomore John FitzPatrick (five, 46, one), Florida State grad transfer Tre’ McKitty (three, 57, zero) and freshman Darnell Washington (one, 26, zero).
Advantage: Even.
Offensive line
Kentucky senior right guard Luke Fortner said Tuesday that the interior of the UK offensive line — which also includes center Drake Jackson and left guard Kenneth Horsey — is working to improve in pass protection. “Our tackles have done a great job,” Fortner says. “Inside, myself, Horsey and Drake, where we struggle right now a little bit is kind of working together ... I think we’ve kind of got to get a better feel for each other.” Georgia returned only two offensive line starters — center Trey Hill and right guard Ben Cleveland — from last year. New right tackle Warren McClendon has shown a unique knack: He has three tackles following Dawgs’ turnovers.
Advantage: Kentucky.
Defensive line
Starting in place of injured Quinton Bohanna, Kentucky junior nose guard Marquan McCall made six tackles in the loss at Missouri. Georgia’s D-line is deep with quality: Second team end Travon Walker had seven tackles in the loss at Alabama, while backup tackle Julian Rochester had five stops.
Advantage: Georgia.
Linebackers
Kentucky MLB Jamin Davis, a product of Ludowici, Ga., is an emerging standout. The 6-4, 234-pound junior leads UK in tackles (45) and is tied for the team lead in interceptions (two). Redshirt freshman OLB/rush end J.J. Weaver is also a rapidly developing talent. The Moore High School product leads UK in tackles for loss (4.5). Georgia OLB/rush end Azeez Ojulari is one of the most disruptive players in the SEC. The 6-3, 244-pound redshirt sophomore leads the Dawgs in sacks (three), tackles for loss (six) and QB hurries (13).
Advantage: Georgia.
Defensive backs
Kentucky free safety Yusuf Corker, a McDonough, Ga., product, had 18 tackles, 17 solo, and two tackles for loss in the defeat at Mizzou. Georgia strong safety Richard LeCounte has three interceptions this year, eight in his career. Cornerback Eric Stokes had a 30-yard pick-six in the Bulldogs’ season-opening win at Arkansas and has two interceptions for the season.
Advantage: Georgia.
Special teams
Kentucky place-kicker Matt Ruffolo boomed a 50-yard field goal at Mizzou and is now 4-of-5 on the season. Punter Max Duffy (46.9 yards a punt), the reigning Ray Guy Award winner, will face off with another one of the nation’s premier punters. Georgia punter Jake Camarda is second in the country (50.7 yards average). Place-kicker Jack Podlesny is 8-of-10 on field goals with a long of 51 yards. Kickoff returner Kenny McIntosh is a weapon (36.3 yards average on six returns) for Kirby Smart.
Advantage: Georgia.
Prediction
Georgia 29, Kentucky 10.
This story was originally published October 29, 2020 at 7:51 AM.
