#7 Alabama at Kentucky Preview and Prediction

Broadcast Info:

Saturday, November 11th at 12 pm on ESPN

Joe Tessitore and Jordan Rodgers are on the call

Radio:

UK Sports Network with Tom Leach, Jeff Piecoro, and Dick Gabriel

Crimson Tide Sports Network with Chris Stewart and Tyler Watts

What's at Stake?

#7 Alabama travels to Lexington, Kentucky for the first time since 2013 to take on the Wildcats in a game, that if won, would solidify Alabama as the SEC West's representative in the SEC Championship Game. Kentucky started the season strong but dropped three in a row before their win last week against Mississippi State. They would like to continue "righting the ship" with a win this weekend but that will be a tall task against this Alabama team that has won 7 in a row after losing at home to Texas. Alabama needs to win this game not only to lock down the SEC West but also to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Alabama at Kentucky: Keys to the Game

Alabama:

Alabama needs to start the game strong and avoid a potential "hangover" from their big win last week against LSU. Jalen Milroe will need to pass the ball to avoid becoming one-dimensional on offense against a slightly run-leaning Kentucky defense that's giving up just over 3 yards a carry on the ground while giving up 236 yards a game through the air. On defense, Alabama needs to stop Ray Davis and the rest of the Kentucky running game and force Devin Leary to throw. Leary has been effective at times, but Kentucky has struggled when he's had 25 or more attempts in a game. If Alabama can force Kentucky into throwing situations, they can utilize Dallas Turner and the rest of the Alabama pass rush to make it a long day for Leary and the Kentucky offense.

Kentucky:

Devin Leary needs to have his best game of the year, perhaps his career if Kentucky is going to upset Alabama. Ray Davis is a great running back and Kentucky's rushing game has been spectacular at times this season, but when it's been shut down, the offense has struggled. With Alabama's defense being a defense that is capable of shutting down the run, it will be up to Leary and receivers like Tayvion Robinson and Dane Key to get the offense rolling. On defense, Kentucky needs to stop Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and the rest of the Alabama rushing attack in the backfield, while also limiting Jalen Milroe's running ability. If D'Eryk Jackson, Trevin Wallace, and the rest of the front seven can slow down Alabama's rushing attack while forcing Jalen Milroe to attempt short and intermediate passes, Kentucky has a good shot at winning this game.

Prediction:

Due to multiple reasons, the main one recent history, I believe Alabama starts this game sluggish and may even allow Kentucky to get an early lead. Kentucky won't stay ahead for long as Alabama, a team that has been steadily improving, will find their groove and wear Kentucky down with strong defense and pull away late utilizing their rushing attack against a Kentucky defense that has been on the field for far too long.

Alabama: 34 Kentucky: 10