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Ralph Webb has been one of the consistent bright spots on a struggling Vanderbilt team. Webb enters Week 5 with 378 yards and a touchdown on 77 attempts. He is averaging 94.50 yards per game and 4.91 yards per carry.
Webb faces a Kentucky defense coming off a bye week that followed a 36-30 overtime loss to Florida in Week 3. The Wildcats allowed 237 yards and a touchdown on 50 carries, including a team-best 156 yards by Matt Jones.
Kentucky has allowed a total of 494 yards and two touchdowns on 125 attempts. Opposing rushing attacks are averaging 3.95 yards per carry against the Wildcats this season.
Alvin Dupree is a standout defensive end that currently has 12 tackles, including one for loss and two QB hurries. Linebacker Khalid Henderson leads the Wildcats with 21 tackles, including two games with a season-high eight.
Kentucky’s defense looks improved in head coach Mark Stoops’ second season. The former defensive coordinator made defense a main focus on the recruiting trail since taking over in Lexington in November 2012.
Webb will need to have a big performance for Vanderbilt to be competitive against a highly favored Kentucky team on the road. The Wildcats are currently a 17-point favorite for Saturday’s game.
With starting quarterback Patton Robinette likely out with a concussion, the game plan must center around Webb and the rushing attack. Webb enjoyed a consistent performance in last Saturday’s loss to South Carolina with 97 yards on 14 carries.
However, Vanderbilt focused less on its run game after facing a 17-14 deficit at the half. The Commodores will need to gain momentum early and continue to use Webb as the focal point of a struggling offense.
Though Wade Freebeck showed signs of potential, it will be a tall task to handle the load against a capable defense on the road in his third career appearance. Webb must excel in his matchup against Kentucky’s front 7 in order for Vanderbilt to have a chance on Saturday.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
