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5 impact players to keep an eye on during the Kentucky-Georgia game
By John Hollis
Published:
Two struggling teams will face off at Sanford Stadium on Saturday when Georgia hosts Kentucky.
The Bulldogs have dropped three of their last four games, while the Wildcats have lost three consecutive contests after a 4-1 start to the season.
Both teams registered their last SEC wins over Missouri. The Dawgs outlasted the Tigers 9-6 on Oct. 17, while the Wildcats bested Mizzou 21-13 on Sept. 26.
Here’s a look at five impact players to keep an eye on during the game.
1. Georgia RB Sony Michel: The sophomore has been fighting several nagging injuries (groin and hand) the last few weeks since taking over for the injured Nick Chubb. The Dawgs will need to establish him early on by getting him out in space where he is a nightmare to bring down. An effective running game will be the key for a Georgia offense that is struggling in the passing game.
2. Georgia WR Malcolm Mitchell: It has to be frustrating being open but not having a quarterback consistently able to get you the ball, but the senior has been a professional through it all. Mitchell caught 4 passes for 60 yards against Florida last week to put him over the 2,000-yard plateau for his career.
3. Georgia QB Greyson Lambert: Coach Mark Richt will likely go back with the Virginia graduate transfer after Faton Bauta’s four-interception disaster against the Gators last week. Lambert has appeared gun-shy all season but will have to be assertive and make plays downfield with his arm if the Dawgs are to shake their offensive funk.
4. Kentucky QB Patrick Towles: It’s no coincidence that the Wildcats’ recent struggles have mirrored that of their junior quarterback. Towles has passed for 1,914 yards this season but has thrown 6 interceptions over the past four games. Towles has more interceptions (10) this season than touchdown passes (9).
5. Kentucky RB Mikel Horton: The sophomore tailback will be playing in place of the injured Stanley “Boom” Williams (elbow), so it will be important that he gets going early to relieve some of the pressure on his quarterback and slow down a fierce Georgia pass rush. Horton rushed 14 times for 109 yards in last week’s loss to Tennessee.
John Hollis is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia and Florida.
