3 Keys to Beating Georgia

Sep 24, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Boom Williams (18) runs the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The Kentucky Wildcats find themselves on foreign ground as they enter an SEC East showdown versus the Georgia Bulldogs. It’s November, the team is one win away from becoming bowl eligible, and the Cats are sitting in second place in the SEC East.

A winning record in the conference, a bowl appearance and an outside chance at winning the East are all on the table as the Cats host the Dawgs tonight. Here’s three keys to getting the job done.

Pound the Rock

Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Benjamin Snell Jr. (26) runs the ball and is tackled by Missouri Tigers linebacker Eric Beisel (38) during the second half at Faurot Field. Kentucky won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

At this point, Kentucky’s offensive identity is clear: we must establish the running game. Whether quarterback Stephen Johnson is under center, or Boom Williams and Benny Snell are taking snaps out of the Wildcat formation, Kentucky must control the line of scrimmage from the start. Time of possession, moving the chains, keeping Georgia’s talented backfield off the field-it all starts with Kentucky’s offensive line, a unit that has been outstanding in recent weeks.

Stop the Run

Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Joshua Jacobs (25) is tackled by Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Naquez Pringle (77) and linebacker Jordan Jones (34) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

As much as Kentucky likes to run the football, Georgia has talented backs of their own, none more dangerous than Nick Chubb. If Kentucky can stuff the run and put Georgia in long third down situations, that puts more pressure on freshman quarterback Jacob Eason. A talented young quarterback, Eason has thrown for 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kentucky can’t let him get comfortable, and that starts with winning the war on the line of scrimmage defensively.

X-Factor

Oct 3, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dorian Baker (2) reaches for a pass against Eastern Kentucky Colonels cornerback Stanley Absanon (27) in second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Eastern Kentucky 34-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

With a few weeks of tape now on Kentucky’s Wildcat ground game, one would expect Georgia to be committed to stopping the run. If the Dawgs put extra bodies in the box, it will be critical for Kentucky to make some plays in the passing game on first down. Jeff Badet has been dangerous the last two weeks, with consecutive 100-yard days. However, arguably the most positive sign in the Missouri win was Dorian Baker’s first receptions of the year, as the junior had four catches for 48 yards, with one reception going for 31 yards. The Cats need Dorian Baker, who finally looks healthy, to be the threat he was last season. At 6’3″, 208 pounds, Baker is the one Cat that can make a real difference and compliment Badet’s recent ascent as a playmaker. If Baker can be that threat against Georgia, and Johnson is accurate and dangerous with his legs, the Cats have a great opportunity to secure a winning conference record and keep hopes alive of winning its first SEC East title.