5 Reasons for Kentucky Fans to be Optimistic vs. Mississippi State

The Big Blue Nation took the loss to South Carolina hard. After years of dominating the Gamecocks, the shocking loss was a body blow to the BBN. Belief is hard to come by for many Kentucky fans, but there are five reasons in particular that should make you optimistic the Wildcats will get back on track Saturday night with a top 25 win.

Mississippi State Rolls Up Backups

“They ain’t played nobody, PAWL!”

That’s not exactly the case, however, Mississippi State has gained a ton of respect from the national media, mostly for beating up on teams with backup quarterbacks. Max Johnson and KJ Jefferson were sidelined against the Bulldogs, who outscored Texas A&M and Arkansas 82-41. This week Will Levis is back, ready to prove these Cats are still in fact the real deal.

Levis and Rodriguez Together

Kentucky’s offensive struggles have frustrated the Big Blue Nation. Despite exceptional numbers by Levis, the Wildcats ranked 11th in the SEC in scoring offense and have yet to surpass 20 offensive points against an SEC foe. In six weeks Kentucky’s top two offensive weapons have only been on the field together for 24 snaps. Despite uncertainty surrounding Tayvion Robinson, a fully healthy Chris Rodriguez finally gives Coach Rich his top two playmakers.

Porous Mississippi State Run Defense

South Carolina would have been the ideal opponent for the offense to get right, until Levis was sent to the sideline. Chris Rodriguez still managed to rack up just shy of 100 rushing yards in the first half against the Gamecocks.  Through six games, the Bulldogs rank No. 99 overall in yards per rush, No. 82 in rushing EPA, and No. 60 in rushing success rate. The 3-3-5 stack defense has had issues fitting the run. With Kentucky’s offensive line potentially back to 100% healthy, it’s a good night for the Cats to run the damn ball.

Holding Serve at Home

While the series is almost dead even — Miss. State leads 25-24 all-time — the home team has dominated as of late. Since 2015 Mississippi State has won by an average of 23 points in Starkville, while the Cats have been victorious in Lexington by an average of 15 points per win. The Bulldogs lost their only other difficult road test of the season, falling 31-16 at LSU.

Clunkers Happen

Kentucky threw in one early in the season against South Carolina. Mississippi State has not. Both teams are due.

Go Cats. Beat State.