Ahead of the UK Football’s game at Mississippi State this Saturday, the Kernel sports staff sat down to discuss their predictions for the game.

How big of an impact is Jordan Jones going to make in his first game?

Chris Leach (Sports Editor): He’s going to make an impact, but I think it will be a couple of weeks until fans see the Jordan Jones they’re used to seeing. He hasn’t played in a football game for over a month and coming back in an SEC road game will be tough for Jones.

Chase Campbell (Assistant Sports Editor): He’ll play with an incredible energy, surely, but the statistical impact won’t be until later. The impact Jones will make will be in his leadership, increasing the level of play of his fellow defenders.

Because of the bye week, do you think the Cats come out rusty or ready?

Chris: Rusty in the first quarter, but back to normal for the remainder of the game. The Cats will likely get off to slow start due to playing on the road, but once they settle down, the extra week of rest will play into their favor.

Chase: The Cats always give up something big to start the game, it’s been their MO this whole season, so I don’t know if it counts as rusty. They’ll be ready, with their wide receivers all healthy and more depth in the second level of defense.

What’s it going to take to stop Nick Fitzgerald?

Chris: Another solid performance from the Blitz Bros and the defensive line. If you give Nick Fitzgerald time to make plays, he’ll make plays. The front seven of the defense needs to do what they can to put pressure on Fitzgerald, forcing him to make mistakes

Chase: Josh Allen needs help. When Fitzgerald is arguably as good or even better than NFL starter Dak Prescott at running out of the pocket and making plays, UK can’t give him one rusher. The defensive backs can’t give up massive plays like they did against Missouri.

Who has the advantage on offense?

Chris: I’d say Mississippi State. They have home-field advantage, arguably a better offensive line, and a good run game that’s tough for any opponent to slow down.

Chase: Kentucky, simply due to the depth of their wide receiver unit. There are six receivers I can think of with big-play potential, and they’ll give Mississippi State fits if they call good plays.

Prediction?

Chris: As I mentioned above, the extra week of rest, and getting Charles Walker and Jordan Jones back will prove to be a huge boost for the Cats. They continue their great start to the season by defeating Mississippi State 24-20.

Chase: UK will start 6-1 for the first time since 2007, thanks to the heroics of one Austin MacGinnis, UK’s all-time leading scorer. It will be close, but a game that the fans won’t look down on for being close. UK establishes their SEC position with a 26-23 win.