Kentucky Wildcats (1-2) against Ohio Bobcats (2-1)

• Playing time: September 21, 2024, 12:45 p.m. ET
• Location: Kroger Field
• TV channel: SEC Network will provide coverage today.
• announcer: Dave Neal, Aaron Murray and Ashley ShahAhmadi will commentate on the action.
• Online stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
• Radio: Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro made the UK radio call on the British Sports Network.
• Satellite radio: XM channel 203, Sirius channel 98, Internet channel 966
• Repetition: ESPN+ and SEC Network (see local program listings).
• Duty schedules: United Kingdom | OH
• Interesting statistics: United Kingdom | OH
• Advanced statistics
• Weather.com forecast

• Opportunities: FanDuel Sports Betting Kentucky is the favorite by 21.5 points and an over/under of 42.5. ESPN gives the Wildcats a chance of winning of 87.9%.
• Predictions: Team rankings Kentucky covered the spread and won 31-12. While QuoteShark predicted that they will lose surprisingly 31:29. DRatings.com predicts a 31:14 win for the Cats. I predict a win for the Cats with 31-16.

As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare to host the Ohio Bobcats, we’re still trying to figure out what to make of Mark Stoops’ team.

They looked pretty good in a weather-shortened game against Southern Miss in Week 1, but then suffered an epic collapse in Week 2, losing 31-6 to South Carolina early in SEC play.

But last weekend, the Wildcats forced No. 1 Georgia into trouble until the final play, even though they entered the contest trailing by 21.5 points.

This week, the Wildcats will be looking to pick up another win at home against a fierce Ohio State team. It will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2014. Kentucky only leads the series 3-2, having last lost in 2004.

The Tim Albin-coached Bobcats have won 10 games in back-to-back seasons and are expected to contend for another MAC title this season. While they are not a power conference team, the Bobcats have more than enough in the tank to win this game.

Let’s take a look at the duel.

Passing game

After three weeks, Kentucky has the worst passing percentage in the SEC. The Wildcats rank last in the conference in passing yards, contests and completion percentage. Despite having the second fewest pass attempts, they are tied for the third most interceptions. In short, it’s been bad.

If there’s one team Kentucky could have success against in the passing game, it’s Ohio State. The Bobcats have allowed 239.3 passing yards per game for a pass completion rate of 46.7%, one of the lowest in the country.

With Barion Brow, Dane Key and Ja’Mori Maclin, the Wildcats have too many receivers to be irrelevant. They’re about to play the main part of their SEC schedule, now it’s time to find a rhythm.

Rush Defense

The Bobcats’ best player was undoubtedly Northwestern’s Anthony Tyus III. The former top-500 recruit ranks eighth nationally in rushing yards and has amassed 367 yards this season at an impressive 7.5 yards per carry.

That’s good for Kentucky, because the rush defense has been the Wildcats’ biggest strength this season. Through three games, they’ve allowed just 62 rushing yards per game. If they can slow down Tyus, they’ll severely limit Ohio’s offensive options.

Build momentum

After the performance against Georgia, it’s much easier to be optimistic about this team than before. However, Kentucky’s schedule is getting increasingly difficult. With the fifth-toughest remaining schedule in all of college football, the Wildcats will face three of the top six teams in the sport in the coming months, including a Week 5 matchup against Ole Miss.

That’s why this week is so important. After taking a positive step and proving they can play against great teams, they need to continue to build that confidence against Ohio.

Here’s how to watch and follow Kentucky vs. Ohio.

How do you see the outcome of this game? Submit your predictions in the comments section!