Sep 203 min read

Kentucky Aims to Break Losing Streak, Triumph Over Ohio

The Kentucky Wildcats (1-2), coming off a two-game losing streak, welcome the Ohio Bobcats (2-1) to Kroger Field at 12:45 p.m. EST on Sept. 21.

This is the seventh matchup between the Wildcats and Bobcats, with Kentucky leading the series 4-2. Kentucky won the last matchup in 2014, by a score of 20-3. With two wins in the series, Ohio is a team that is not to be taken lightly.

What's at Stake?

Head coach Mark Stoops and Kentucky need a win in the worst possible way after back-to-back losses. In a game that came down to the wire, the Cats fell to the then-No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs(3-0) by a one-point margin. After such a physical game and emotional letdown, the Cats must avoid coming out flat against a good, albeit less talented Ohio team.

Ohio can take down a vaunted Southeastern Conference team when they visit Kroger Field this weekend. While based on talent alone this should be an easy win for the Wildcats, Ohio has won two games in this series and has a chance to win a third. Traveling to Kentucky and beating them in their own house would be a major accomplishment for the Bobcats and a huge motivation moving forward.

Key Players: Kentucky

Brock Vandagriff, Quarterback

Vandagriff has not played particularly well so far this season and that will need to change if Kentucky is going to have a successful season. In three games Vandagriff has thrown for 313 yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs while completing just over 52 percent of his passes.

Vadagriff needs to continue to build chemistry with his teammates as he develops as a passer and signal-caller for the Wildcats. A good performance against the Bobcats will go a long way in building confidence and rapport for the remaining season ahead.

D'Eryk Jackson, Linebacker

A veteran linebacker, Jackson is the heart and soul of Kentucky's solid defensive unit. He led the Wildcats in tackles in 2022 and 2023 and currently holds the lead for the 2024 season.

Kentucky's defense led by Jackson has endless potential and could finish as one of the top defenses in the conference as they continue to develop.

Key Players: Ohio

Parker Navarro, Quarterback

Navarro has been highly inconsistent this season and is prone to turnovers. Navarro has thrown for 547 yards, 2 TDs and 4 INTs while completing 60 percent of his passes.

Navorro needs to be smart with the football and avoid turnovers against the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats, to give his team a chance at victory.

Cam Rice, Defensive Tackle

Rice has 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 10 total tackles so far this season.

Rice and his fellow defensive linemen need to have a strong performance if they're going to slow down the Wildcats' rushing attack.

Trends to Watch

Kentucky's defense had a great game against the now-No. 2 Bulldogs a week ago, allowing 262 yards and only 13 points. Will this trend continue or will the defense look more like it did against South Carolina (2-1) when it gave up 31 points?

Vandagriff needs to be more productive for the Wildcats to avoid having a one-dimensional offense. Ohio has struggled to defend the passing game, making this a great opportunity for Vandagriff and the offense to get the passing game going. Will this be the game in which Vandagriff hits his stride and makes some plays through the air?

Navarro threw 3 INTs last week against FCS opponent Morgan State. If he does that against Kentucky it will be a long day for the Bobcats.

The Bobcats' strength on defense is stopping the run, while Kentucky's strength on offense is the rushing attack. This matchup will be the deciding factor in the game. The winner of this matchup will win the game.