PREVIEW: Kentucky football prepares for surprisingly significant matchup with Vanderbilt

Jonathon Bruner, Assistant Sports Editor

October 12, 2024

Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) points for the first down after receiving a pass during the football game between the Old Miss Rebels and the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. Kentucky won 20-17. Photo by Matthew Mueller | Staff

Following its first bye week, Kentucky football (3-2, 1-2 SEC) is set to host the Vanderbilt Commodores (3-2, 1-1 SEC).

Both teams enter the matchup following all-time program wins as the Wildcats defeated then No. 6 Ole Miss 20-17 on the road two weeks ago and the Commodores toppled then No. 1 Alabama at home last week 40-35.

Kentucky Wildcats offensive lineman Jalen Farmer (52) celebrates after getting a tackle during the football game between the Old Miss Rebels and the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. Kentucky won 20-17. Photo by Matthew Mueller | Staff

On the season, Kentucky has also earned victories over Southern Miss and Ohio, but fell to South Carolina and Georgia.

As for Vanderbilt, it has defeated Virginia Tech and Alcorn State, along with the Tide, however, it has lost to Missouri and Georgia State.

Looking at the quarterback matchup, Brock Vandagriff has thrown for 793 yards representing the home Wildcats, which ranks 12th in the SEC. Vandagriff has also thrown four touchdowns and two interceptions.

As for the Commodores, they showcase a dynamic dual-threat quarterback in Diego Pavia. Through the air, Pavia has thrown for 973 yards, which is good for 10th in the SEC. Pavia has thrown eight touchdowns and has yet to throw a pick on the year thus far.

However, this is not it for Pavia, as he also leads the Commodores and is seventh in the SEC with 335 rushing yards. Pavia has also rushed for two touchdowns.

Moving over to the actual running back position, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye leads the Wildcats’ backfield into this week seven game with 321 yards on the ground, which is good for ninth in the SEC. Sumo-Karngbaye has found the end zone three times this season.

Outside of Pavia, Sedrick Alexander is the lead back for Vandy with 281 yards on the ground, which places him 16th in the SEC. Alexander has rushed for five touchdowns this season.

Taking a look at the leading receiver for each team, Dane Key has been on a roll for the home Cats, posting back-to-back 100 yard performances. On the year, Key has totaled 369 yards, which is good for seventh in the SEC. Key has hauled in one touchdown this season.

As for the visiting Commodores, Eli Stowers leads the team with 333 receiving yards, which is 14th in the SEC. Stowers has hauled in one touchdown so far this season.

Taking a look at the offenses as a whole, the Wildcats have averaged 321.6 yards per game and 22 points per game, which is 15th and last in the SEC respectively.

Looking at the Commodores, they have averaged 367 yards of offense per game, which is 13th in the conference. Despite that, they have scored 37.6 points per game, which is fifth in the SEC.

As for the defenses as a whole, Kentucky has given up 244.2 yards per game, which is third in the conference, and only allowed 13.4 points per game, which ranks fourth in the SEC.

When it comes to defense for the Commodores, they have allowed 346 yards per game, which is 13th in the SEC, while allowing 25.6 points per game, which is good for 15th in the conference.

Kentucky holds the all-time matchup advantage against Vanderbilt with a record of 49-43-4, including a 45-28 win against the Commodores last season.

As for this matchup, ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Cats a 68.5% chance to win.

With the stage now set in what’s become a more meaningful game than originally thought for both teams and the nation, Kentucky and Vanderbilt will face-off on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Kroger Field with kickoff scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET. The game will air live on the SEC Network.