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On a three game losing streak with one month left, the 2015 college football season is starting to feel an awful lot like most others in Lexington.
The good news is that Kentucky’s remaining opponents are a combined 14-18, so the Wildcats (4-4) still have a chance to become bowl eligible.
Beating Georgia on Saturday would be a significant step toward that goal. To do that, here are five Wildcats who have to play well:
1. RB Jojo Kemp: It’s unclear how long starting RB Boom Williams will be out after leaving last week’s game with an elbow injury, but coach Mark Stoops confirmed earlier this week that Williams will not play Saturday against Georgia.
RB Mikel Horton has already been named the starter in Athens, but look for Kemp to play a big role as backup. In Kentucky’s four wins, Kemp has rushed for 224 yards on 43 carries with two touchdowns (an average of 5.2 yards per rush).
He has just 51 yards in the four losses.
2. S Chris Westry: Westry, a freshman, has been a real bright spot; he’s tied for the team lead with two interceptions. At 6-foot-4, he can play anywhere in the secondary. This week, he’ll likely be lined up across from one of the SEC’s best receivers, WR Malcolm Mitchell, who ranks fourth in the conference with 565 receiving yards. Westry will have to hold his own.
3. P Landon Foster: Foster represents the special teams, which gave up a punt return and kick return TD to Isaiah McKenzie the last time these two teams met. Back in the lineup last week for the first time since the start of October, the Wildcats better make sure they keep their eye on McKenzie from the opening kickoff.
It might be smarter for Foster to punt out of bounds rather than giving this guy a chance in the open field.
4. OG Zach West: Kentucky’s line has struggled, allowing an SEC-worst 22 sacks. West and the rest of the line need to fix those issues fast to give QB Patrick Towles any chance at an upset.
5. ILB Josh Forrest: Forrest has 66 tackles, tied for eighth in the SEC, and 4.0 sacks and one interception. He’s making plays in many areas, and his versatility will be challenged against Georgia’s skill players.
