As the college football season rolls on into week three, Kentucky football (1-1) is set for a clash with No. 1 Georgia (2-0).
The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 63-12-2 with 14 straight victories over the Wildcats. When the two teams squared off last season in Athens, Georgia, the Bulldogs blew out the Cats 51-3.
Coming into week three, it’s been a tale of two games for Kentucky as it dominated Southern Miss 31-0 in a game that only lasted around 10 minutes into the third quarter due to lightning delays. Despite that, in week two, the Wildcats were throttled by South Carolina at home by a score of 31-6.
Unlike Kentucky, this season has gone how many expected for the Bulldogs as they are off to a 2-0 start with two dominant victories. The first one came by way of a 34-3 win against the then ranked No. 14 Clemson Tigers and a 48-3 win over Tennessee Tech.
(Sydney Yonker)
Starting with the quarterbacks, Georgia is led by Heisman Trophy hopeful Carson Beck, who enters the game having thrown 520 yards, which is fifth in the SEC, along with seven touchdowns, no interceptions and 37 rushing yards.
For the Wildcats it’s a familiar face for Bulldogs fans as its Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff leading the offense.
Like the team as a whole, Vandagriff had a solid debut but scuffled in week two. Overall, he has accumulated 199 passing yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions and 44 rushing yards.
It’s also worth noting Kentucky’s backup quarterback, Rutgers transfer Gavin Wimsatt, who is likely to be used as a runner in Wildcat formations, has accumulated 73 rushing yards through one game after not playing in week one.
Moving over to running back, the Bulldogs have showcased two names and those are Nate Frazier and Florida transfer Trevor Etienne.
Frazier saw significant time in week one after Etienne was ineligible due to a violation of team rules. Through two games, Frazier has racked up 111 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
As for Etienne, in his season debut last week he rushed for 78 yards.
With the injury to DeaMonte “Chip” Trayanum, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye has been the lead back and has performed solid so far, rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Rounding out players to watch is the leading receivers for each team.
First, with the visiting Bulldogs, Arian Smith is leading the team with 129 yards receiving and a touchdown. For the home Wildcats, Dane Key and his 96 yards lead the team.
Taking a look at the offenses as a whole, the Bulldogs have averaged 472.5 yards per game so far this season, which ranks sixth in the SEC. As for the Cats’ offense, it ranks last in the SEC, averaging 250 yards per game thus far this season.
Looking at the defenses, Georgia has allowed 161 yards per game which is second in the SEC.
The Wildcats have allowed 191.5 yards per game on defense, which comes in fourth in the SEC.
Looking at odds according to BetESPN, the Bulldogs are favored by 24 points on the road. Looking at the matchup predictor on ESPN, it gives the Wildcats a 7.6% chance to pull off the upset.
The only thing that’s left between these two teams is kickoff at Kroger Field, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, and will air live on ABC and ESPN+.
