Where the Kentucky and Georgia defenses rank heading into Saturday’s showdown
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Preview: No. 11 Kentucky at No. 1 Georgia
Click below to read more of the Herald-Leader’s and Kentucky.com’s preview coverage ahead of Saturday’s Kentucky-Georgia football game at 3:30 p.m. in Athens, Ga.
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When No. 11 Kentucky football visits No. 1 Georgia on Saturday in Athens, it will be a meeting of the league’s two top defenses. Through six games, Georgia boasts the nation’s best defense. Kentucky isn’t too far behind. The numbers back that up.
Let’s start with the most telling statistical category for college football defenses. That’s average yards allowed per play. Here, Georgia is No. 1 in the nation, as well as the SEC. Kentucky is ranked No. 2 in the SEC and No. 15 in the nation.
Now let’s look at the more traditional defensive statistic — total defense. That’s the number of yards allowed per game. Georgia leads the nation in total defense. Kentucky ranks 18th nationally.
Now let’s look at what coaches will tell you is the most important defensive statistic — points allowed. That’s the bottom line. Georgia is again No. 1 in the nation in points allowed per game. UK is tied for 19th.
Next, let’s look at yards allowed per rush. This is the one category that Georgia is not atop the nation’s statistics. The Bulldogs are No. 3 nationally. Kentucky is ranked 36th.
Finally, let’s look at the average yards per pass attempt. Georgia is No. 1 in the SEC and in a three-way tie with Cincinnati and Washington for No. 1 nationally in that stat. UK ranks second in the conference and in a tie for No. 8 nationally.
We should keep in mind that both teams have head coaches who were formerly defensive coordinators. Georgia’s Kirby Smart was Nick Saban’s DC at Alabama before taking the head coaching job at his alma mater. Kentucky’s Mark Stoops was defensive coordinator at Arizona and Florida State before coming to Lexington.
This story was originally published October 11, 2021 at 11:08 AM.
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