Georgia at Kentucky: Who has the edge?

Georgia makes its way back to the Blue Grass State on Saturday for the first time since that COVID-altered 2020 season. The UGA faithful have their first opportunity to see their team in the beautiful setting of Lexington for the first time since 2018.

The Bulldogs will take on a 6-4 Kentucky team that is coming off a loss to Vanderbilt. Mark Stoops team is probably nice and ornery. He’ll have the Wildcats focused and Georgia will have to come out swinging.

Kirby Smart’s crew is favored by three scores. Everyone knows which team is more talented but when it comes to on-field play, who has the edge?

When Georgia runs it…

Mississippi State had some success at slowing Georgia down last week. The Bulldogs used a lot of activity and numbers to make that happen. Kentucky has the numbers but it’s not built to move around like MSU did up front.

Georgia should be able to lean a little more on its zone stuff this week with Kentucky trying to beat both sides of the block up front. The Wildcats aren’t as powerful or dynamic as they usually are on the interior of the defensive line. Last week notwithstanding, Georgia’s guards should have an advantage. Edge: Georgia

When Kentucky runs it…

Stoops crew loves to run the ball. They’re doing it well this year but not as well as they’re capable of when you look at that backfield. The offensive line has been disappointing this season. It’s not up to the standard that Kentucky set for itself the past few years.

Georgia is really salty against the run. That’s just all there is to it. The Bulldogs lean on Nazir Stackhouse, Zion Logue, Jalen Carter, Warren Brinson, and on and on to lock up multiple gaps and let the linebackers run and hit. They do a really good job of that, too. Edge: Georgia

When Georgia throws it…

This is a pass-first Georgia offense. The Bulldogs are averaging over 36 pass attempts per game and that’s the highest since they attempted 42 passes per game with Eric Zeier at quarterback in 1994. Stetson Bennett is completing 68 percent of those passes and is averaging just under 290 passing yards per game.

Kentucky has a strong pass defense. It’s No. 2 in the SEC in yards per game allowed. It’s No. 5 in yards allowed per pass attempt. The Wildcats cover well and they’re physical upon the ball’s arrival. They do a good job of getting the ball out. It has shown some cracks of late, allowing eight yards or more per attempt in three of the last five games. Edge: Georgia

When Kentucky throws it…

Will Levis has been really bad lately. He wasn’t great before that, but he has just been dreadful the past two games. Kentucky has lost its last two games due in large part to the play of Levis and the Wildcats inability to block up front. Barion Brown is a stud and the Wildcats have some weapons to compliment him at receiver but getting it to those guys has been tough of late.

Georgia is really good at affecting the opposing team’s quarterback. The Bulldogs don’t have a ton of sacks but they showed against Tennessee that the ability to get to the quarterback is there. Fran Brown’s secondary also covers well. Georgia has done a really nice job of late when it comes to limiting big plays. Edge: Georgia

Special Teams

Georgia has the clear edge in the kicking game. The Bulldogs are middle to top of the league in field goals and punting while Kentucky is near the bottom in both. The Wildcats are near the bottom of the league in opponent kickoff return yardage. The Wildcats do a pretty good job of returning kicks, though.

The Bulldogs have only allowed five punt returns this season but those are averaging 22 yards after Mississippi States 63-yard touchdown last week. Georgia is one of just two teams in the league — the other is Missouri — that has allowed a punt return for a score. UGA’s kick return game isn’t very good either. Both teams have their flaws but Georgia has the better group of athletes. Edge: Georgia

Georgia at Kentucky: Overall

We knew this would be the case coming into it and you did too. Georgia is better. Whether it is the better team on Saturday remains to be seen but the Bulldogs have what it takes to roll into Lexington, cover the spread, and get back home. Kentucky has a couple of intangibles on its side. The motivation and the focus after losing to Vanderbilt should be sky high. The Wildcats are also playing at home. But did you know that Georgia hasn’t lost in Lexington since 2006. Edge: Georgia