First Down Kentucky: Much-Deserved Props to Eric Wolford
This time a week ago, Eric Wolford was persona non grata around Big Blue Nation. The Kentucky offensive line was an absolute disaster against South Carolina. The Cats could not protect Brock Vandagriff. If they did, a holding flag was probably going to surface, that is if they didn’t commit a pre-snap penalty. It was about as bad as it gets and Wolford took all of the BBN’s bullets.
Leading into the game against Georgia, a defense that has yet to allow a touchdown in 2024, Wolford was preparing to play without two starters. Gerald Mincey ultimately gave it a go at game-time, while former walk-on Dylan Ray was forced to fill in for a two-year starter at left guard, Jager Burton.
Mark Stoops spent all offseason telling us his team was going to be able to Run The Damn Ball. Nobody expected that to be a possibility against this Georgia defense, and yet that is exactly what the Wildcats did. Kentucky Ran the Damn Ball for 212 non-sack yards (5.0 yards per carry) and had a 52% success rate.
Eric Wolford will probably never be a fan favorite here thanks to the way he departed in 2021. One game won’t erase that memory. And there’s no denying that this group must continue to improve, particularly in pass protection, but you gotta give credit where credit is due. He got those guys ready to play against the top-ranked team in the country. That was a heck of a coaching job. Hopefully, it’s just the first step in the right direction during the rebuild of the Big Blue Wall.
Kentucky Kicker is a Star
Alex Raynor has been recognized as one of the best specialists in the country following his impressive week three performance. The Georgia native went 4 for 4 and hit two 50-yarders, including a school record with a 55-yard field goal, in the one-point loss to the Bulldogs. The Lou Groza Award, given each year to the sport’s top place-kicker, named Raynor as one of the Stars of the Week.
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“There’s a lot of doubters out there. I just put my head down and worked my whole career. I’ve been doing this awhile and once again, I’m thankful for this team,” Raynor said Saturday night.
Fantastic Thursday Night Football Helmets
Don’t give all of your undivided attention to Aaron Rodgers. The Jets and the Patriots will provide a snoozer. The Fun Belt will be in full force in Boone on Thursday night when App. State hosts South Alabama. The Jags are 7.5-point dogs, but their offense ranks top 10 in EPA rushing and passing against a bad Mountaineers’ defense. The total is high at 62.5, but that might not be enough points, especially in a place where things get weird and App. State is rocking helmets this cool.
Week 4 College Football SP+ Picks
You need winners? We shared a few on Pigskin Preview, but allow this spreadsheet to serve as a point of reference while handicapping your selections.
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