Georgia vs. Kentucky Prediction, Game Preview


Georgia vs. Kentucky prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC East matchup between the Bulldogs and Wildcats.


Georgia vs. Kentucky Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 5 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, KY
TV Broadcast: SEC Network

Georgia is experiencing some growing pains in Kirby Smart’s first season as head coach, the latest of which came in the 24-10 loss to Florida this past Saturday. The offense was unable to get anything going, gaining only 164 total yards, including just 21 rushing yards.

Kentucky has won three in a row and, miraculously, is in the SEC East race. The Wildcats used a big effort from running backs Boom Williams and Benny Snell Jr. to dispatch of Missouri, 35-21, in Columbia.

What To Know About Georgia

Quarterback Jacob Eason is the future for the Bulldogs, but like most true freshmen not named Jalen Hurts, he has struggled adjusting to the college game. Eason has the arm and ability, and will go against a Kentucky defense that at times has struggled to stop the aerial attack. He must get help from his running game in running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

Stopping Williams and Snell from getting the ground game going for Kentucky will be the focus for the Dawgs defense. Georgia is No. 13 in the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 109.75 yards per game.

What to Know About Kentucky

Quarterback Drew Barker is still out of the Wildcats, so it is still Stephen Johnson under center. His play has improved with experience. Williams has had a great year, while Snell has broken out as a freshman. Those two pack a 1-2 punch that is right up there with the best in the SEC.

The defense will have to put pressure on Eason and stop Chubb from gaining steam in the backfield if they want to have any success. Stopping the run has not been something the Wildcats have excelled at this season, ranking No. 89 in the nation by allowing 196.50 yards per game on the ground.

Advantages

Offense: Georgia. Despite the bad outing against Florida, the Dawgs are still loaded in the backfield.

Defense: Georgia. Kirby Smart is a mastermind of defenses, and this unit will only improve.

Special Teams: Tie. Both units have had trouble staying consistent.

Coaching: Tie. Stoops has turned the Wildcats around after a 1-2 start.

Intangibles: Kentucky. A win clinches Kentucky’s first bowl game since 2010.

Matchup To Watch

Nick Chubb vs. Kentucky rushing defense

Chubb running the ball effectively would help ease the pressure off of the young Eason.

Georgia vs. Kentucky Betting Odds

Spread: Georgia -2.5
Over/Under: None available at time of publication.

Georgia vs. Kentucky Prediction

These two teams come into this matchup on opposite ends of the spectrum: Kentucky riding high after three straight wins while the Dawgs trying to figure out themselves. Georgia is the more talented team here, and Kentucky has had a history of collapsing late in the season under Stoops, but this is a different Kentucky team. Commonwealth Stadium will (hopefully) be packed. Kentucky clinches a bowl, and all of Lexington forgets about basketball for a good five minutes.

Georgia vs. Kentucky Score Prediction: Kentucky 34, Georgia 31

MORE: 1-128 College Football Rankings – Week 10