In August, the Auburn-Kentucky game was viewed as a potential trap game for the Tigers – a possible slip up for a popular preseason pick to win its division. That storyline has shifted dramatically. Entering Week 7, the Wildcats hold the statistical advantage in multiple important categories and AU isn’t sure who will start at quarterback. UK is second in the SEC East while Auburn occupies the bottom spot of the SEC West.
Both offenses are near the bottom of the conference in total yardage: UK’s 365.6 yards per game ranks No. 11, one spot ahead of Auburn with 343.8 yards per game.
Kentucky’s struggling running game going up against Auburn’s troubled run defense could be the matchup that decides the outcome Thursday night. The Tigers are ranked No. 107 out of 128 FBS in rush defense, allowing 209.6 rushing yards per game. Kentucky is No. 13 of 14 SEC teams in rushing offense, averaging just 135 yards per game. One team should come away with a new and improved ranking, and some momentum for the second half of the season.
The Wildcats’ depth chart shows that RB Stanley “Boom” Williams will be available and is expected to start. Williams, the SEC’s No. 3 ball carrier in yards per attempt (7.3), missed Kentucky’s game with Eastern Kentucky due to a personal issue.
The Tigers will likely try to contain Williams and force Kentucky QB Patrick Towles to throw. In three SEC games, Towles’ accuracy and effectiveness has varied from 8-of-24 and two interceptions against Florida to 22-of-27 and two touchdowns against Missouri. Auburn’s passing defense ranks No. 50, allowing 202.4 yards per game.
With Auburn’s uncertainties at quarterback, expect RB Peyton Barber to be the main source of offense. Barber is averaging 111.6 yards per game. That number could increase against Kentucky’s rushing defense which allows 170.6 yards per game. The Tigers would be happy with a repeat of Barber’s five-touchdown, 147-yard performance last time out in the Tigers’ 35-21 win over San Jose State.
KENTUCKY WILDCATS CLOSER LOOK
Top returning player, offense: Patrick Towles, Jr., QB – As UK’s starting quarterback last season, Towles was both the top passer (225-of-393, 2718 yards, 14 TDs, 9 INTs) and leading rusher (109 carries, 537 yards, 6 TDs). This year, Towles has focused primarily on passing (96-of-156, 1153 yards, 8 TDs, 6 INTs).
Top returning player, defense: Josh Forrest, Sr., LB – Forrest is an excellent run stopper and led the Wildcats with 110 tackles in 2014. He has 49 tackles in five games this season.
Top returning player, special teams: Boom Williams, So., KR – Kentucky’s top ball carrier is also a threat on kick returns, averaging 26.9 yards per return on 19 returns in 2014.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
