Kentucky v Miss. State--Quick UK Notes

[Darrell KSR]

Attachment 653

QUICK NOTES

• Kentucky ranks in the top 35 of three national statistical categories, including tied for 31st in
fewest sacks allowed (2.60 per game), 33rd in kickoff returns (24.83 yards per return) and 30th in
pass defense (197 yards per game).

• Kentucky and Mississippi State are meeting for the 40th time in school history. UK leads the all-time
series 21-18, including a 12-7 advantage in Lexington but are looking to snap a three-game losing skid
to the Bulldogs and capture their first win over Mississippi State in Lexington since 2005.

• The Wildcats are also looking for their first win over a ranked opponent since upsetting No. 10 South
Carolina in 2010 in Commonwealth Stadium, 31-28.

• Three of the last four meetings with the Bulldogs have been determined by seven points or less.

• UK is 9-1 under Joker Phillips in games that the Wildcats win the turnover margin.

• Kentucky is in a stretch of three-consecutive games against teams that are currently
nationally ranked. Previous times in school history that has occurred include 1958, 1968,
1970, 1976, 1988, 2007, 2009 and 2011.

• Kentucky has the eighth-toughest schedule in the nation, according to the Sagarin Computer
Ratings in USA Today. The four teams that have defeated Kentucky have a combined record of
19-1 this season. The lone loss was WKU at Alabama.

• Sophomore QB Maxwell Smith has completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 975 yards and eight
touchdowns. The sophomore, who did not see action vs. Florida due to a bruised shoulder and
completed just two plays vs. South Carolina before being sidelined with an ankle injury, ranks
fifth in the SEC in total offense at 237.75 yards per game.

• Senior wide receiver La’Rod King leads the receiving corps and ranks fifth in the SEC
with 5.6 receptions per game.

• Junior linebacker Avery Williamson leads Kentucky and ranks tied for second in the SEC in
tackles per game (10.2). He has had double-figure tackles in three of five games this season,
including a career-high 14 tackles vs. WKU.

[Catfan73]

UK used to own this series, beating State 8 times in a row between 1958 and 1990. If the Bulldogs win this year, it would be the first time they've taken 4 straight from UK.

[BigBluePappy]

That is why I am going to work early, so I can get home in time to watch at least the second half live. I have the DVR set; just prayin' for a miracle.

[truecatsfan]

I just wonder how many people will come out today, with the rain and cool weather. I'll be attending to support these players not the coaching staff.

[Catonahottinroof]

Turnover margin, solid running game. 2 things that have benefited UK in the past, need to happen today for the Cats to have a chance.

[Catfan73]

+2 in turnover margin, but they outrushed us 158 yards to 84. At least we know we have a quarterback in Towles, even if we don't have a staff that knows what to do with him.