Quarterbacks
Mackenzi Adams has been less than impressive since relieving the injured Larry Smith for Vandy. Mike Hartline and Morgan Newton will both go for UK, and at least one of them should be effective enough to create a passing game.
Advantage: UK
Running backs
Both teams rely heavily on the running game to set up the offense. UK is led by Derrick Locke, while Warren Norman leads Vandy. Even though defenses load up on Norman, he’s averaging 5.7 yards per carry to Locke’s 4.8.
Adv: Vanderbilt
Wide receivers
UK’s receiving corps ranks near the bottom of the Southeastern Conference, but Vandy’s receivers are vanilla at best and rum raisin at worst. At least with Randall Cobb UK has one playmaker at the position, which is more than the Commodores can say.
Adv: UK
Offensive line
Last week you saw UK’s line create a running game with Alfonso Smith, Moncell Allen and Donald Russell replacing Derrick Locke. Their ability to create opportunities for plays should not go unnoticed.
Adv: UK
Defensive line
Even though the defense looked better against Eastern Kentucky, it is hard to shake the image of the last SEC game. Anthony Dixon terrorized UK to the tune of over 250 yards on the ground. Until UK proves the line can stop the run again, they cannot win here.
Adv: Vanderbilt
Linebackers
The linebackers have definitely been a bright spot for UK, with Sam Maxwell in particular making a splash.
Adv: UK
Secondary
Trevard Lindley got his feet wet last week after returning from injury. He gave up one big play, but he should be back to 100 percent this week. It has been a long time since UK’s secondary has been as healthy as it will be this week.
Adv: UK
Special teams
UK continued to have problems in the special teams game last week, giving up a touchdown on a fake field goal. The Cats do not have to be great here, but these negative plays cannot continue to happen.
Adv: Vanderbilt
Overall
Five of Vanderbilt’s eight losses have come by two scores or less. It is a scrappy team looking to salvage what it can from the season, but the Cats ought to have enough talent to beat them. Most of the Cats are healthy again anyway, which will help.
Adv: UK-
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