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If the Kentucky Wildcats (4-6) have any hope of bowling, it must take care of business, beginning with this week’s visit from the Charlotte 49ers (2-8). Check out the Kentucky vs. Charlotte prediction and game preview.

Kentucky vs. Charlotte Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 21
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Venue: Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, Kentucky
Network: SEC Network

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Why You Need To Care

A first-ever visit from Charlotte couldn’t come at a more opportune time for Kentucky, a program in disarray. Since raising hopes with a 4-1 start, the Wildcats have lost five in a row with a combination of sloppy play and sloppier coaching. Mark Stoops’ program is hungry for a first bowl game since 2010, but must win the final two to reach .500. The 49ers are in Lexington to pick up a check and a few lessons that come with facing an SEC opponent. Charlotte is predictably struggling in its FBS debut, losing its last eight after opening with two wins.

Why Charlotte Will Win

Kentucky’s confidence is shot, as is an offense averaging 20 points versus FBS opponents. The 49ers will cause problems for the Wildcat front wall, pressuring the pocket with NT Larry Ogunjobi and LB Daquan Lucas. And the offense is coming off its best back-to-back games since the first two weeks of the season.

Why Kentucky Will Win

True, Charlotte has shown an offensive pulse lately against FIU and UTSA. But the 49ers are about to get a rude awakening from a Wildcat D with quality players from front to back. The 49ers will have a particularly tough time navigating a stout front seven led by DT Cory Johnson and LB Josh Forrest.

Player Who Matters

Kentucky continues to get little support from quarterbacks Patrick Towles and Drew Barker, who’ll earn his first career start this week, so RB Stanley Williams will be the focal point. The sophomore has missed some time to injury this fall, but averages almost seven yards per carry and should be good for the seventh 100-yard game of his career.

What’s Going To Happen?

The Wildcats are about to unleash more than a month of frustration on an overmatched visitor. Williams will spearhead the offense with 150 yards and a pair of scores on the ground, while the defense will force Charlotte’s error-prone quarterbacks into multiple costly turnovers. Kentucky will roll easily to snap its five-game skid.

Kentucky vs. Charlotte Prediction

Final Score: Kentucky 41, Charlotte 10, Line: Kentucky -24.5 , o/u: 55.5
Must See Rating: 5: The Night Before … 1: Donny! … 1.5

MORE: College Football Bowl Projections After Week 11